Chamari Athapaththu's record-breaking 195 outshines Laura Wolvaardt's 184 as Sri Lanka record highest successful run chase in WODIs

In the battle of captains at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu created history with her unbeaten 195. She outshone Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 184 to guide her team to a six-wicket win over South Africa and break the record for highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs. 
 

Athapaththu broke Deepti Sharma's record (188) for highest individual score in ODIs for an Asian woman as South Africa chased down the target of 302 with 33 balls to spare. She missed out on the double century. On the other hand, Wolvaaardt’s unbeaten 184 is the fifth-highest individual score in the format. 

Wolvaardt breaks records

Earlier, Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bowl first. Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall shared an 116-run opening partnership. Delmi Tucker and Sune Luus departed off consecutive deliveries. But Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk provided support to Wolvaardt with 36 and 35 respectively. The opener reached her century from 100 balls. She accelerated and remained not out for 184 off 147 balls helping South Africa post 301/5 on the board. Her marathon knock was laced with 23 fours and four sixes. 
 

Athapaththu wills Sri Lanka to famous win

In the run chase, Athapaththu scored quickly. She shared a 90-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne who scored 26 runs from 47 balls. Prasadani Weerakkody, Hansima Karunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari were dismissed cheaply. Athapaththu found the perfect partner in Nilakshi de Silva. She reached her eighth ODI ton from 79 balls. She accelerated and made the run chase look easy. Her 150 came off 113 balls. No South African bowler had an answer to her. She finished the record-breaking run chase with a six in the 45th over.
 

Athapaththu’s unbeaten 195 featured 26 fours and five maximums. On the other end, Nilakshi contributed with a 71-ball 50. They shared a 179-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This is also Sri Lanka’s first ODI win on South Africa in 19 years.
 

Previous highest ODI run chase

The previous highest run chase belonged to Australia. In 2012, Australia chased down the target of 289 against New Zealand and won the match by six wickets. Sri Lanka's previous highest run chase came against India in 2018 when they chased down the target of 254 at home.
 

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