The Sri Lankan team, entering as co-hosts in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, had a brilliant start on their home ground. By defeating a strong team like Australia in the group stage, they secured their place in the Super-8. However, after this, the team lost its rhythm. An unexpected loss against Zimbabwe broke the morale of the players, and the team could not return to its winning ways. Finally, Sri Lanka’s journey in the tournament ended here.
After being knocked out of the World Cup, Captain Dasun Shanaka spoke openly. Expressing disappointment over the team’s performance, he first pointed out the shortcomings of the bowlers and then advised the batsmen to take responsibility. Shanaka also stated that the continuous negative atmosphere had an impact on the players, which was clearly visible in the team’s performance.
Why did Sri Lanka get knocked out of the World Cup?
Captain Dasun Shanaka listed several reasons for the team’s exit. He stated that a negative atmosphere persisted around the team throughout the tournament, which affected the players’ confidence. Furthermore, the pitches in this World Cup were bowler-friendly, making it very difficult for batsmen to score runs.
Shanaka also admitted that some key players in the team were not fully fit, which affected both the combination and performance. After a crushing 61-run defeat against New Zealand on their home ground, Sri Lanka became the first team to be eliminated from the semi-final race. With this loss, the co-host team’s campaign ended.
What did Dasun Shanaka say about negative comments?
After being knocked out of the T20 World Cup, Captain Dasun Shanaka openly expressed his disappointment. He stated that the continuous negative comments the team faced outside the field affected the players’ morale. According to Shanaka, no matter how much players try to stay positive, when there is criticism and negativity all around, it inevitably has an impact.
He said that this situation is a matter of concern for Sri Lankan cricket. “Cricket is the biggest sport in our country. If players play in such an environment, questions arise about the future,” he said. Shanaka also added that many people start criticizing with microphones outside without even watching the match, which is not right.
After continuous losses to Zimbabwe, England, and New Zealand, the team was knocked out of the tournament. In such a situation, Shanaka fears that the phase of criticism will continue. He even stated that the situation has become so serious that the government might need to intervene to provide a safe environment for future generations of players.
Sri Lankan batsmen disappointed
Sri Lanka’s batting completely faltered in the last two matches. Against England, the team was bundled out for just 95 runs, while against New Zealand, batsmen could not play a big innings either, and the score only reached 107 runs. These consistently low scores dealt a major blow to the team’s hopes.
Regarding the batsmen’s performance, Captain Dasun Shanaka clearly stated that responsibility cannot be placed on just one or two players. According to him, the top order needs to step up and take charge of the match. He said that a positive mindset and aggressive intent are crucial in T20 cricket. Even if a player gets out taking a risk, there is at least the satisfaction that they took the initiative for the team.
Shanaka believes that in shorter formats, it is difficult to achieve success without showing intent and taking bold decisions. If the team wants to move forward, every batsman must understand their role and play fearlessly.
