Dasun Shanaka Apologises as Sri Lanka Crash Out of T20 World Cup After NZ Defeat

Dasun Shanaka issued a heartfelt apology to fans after Sri Lanka cricket team were knocked out of the T20 World Cup following a heavy defeat to New Zealand cricket team in Colombo on February 25.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanaka admitted that the team failed to deliver when it mattered most. Sri Lanka’s campaign came to an abrupt end after they were comprehensively beaten, leaving them out of contention for the semi-finals.

Shanaka acknowledged the disappointment among supporters, especially with the tournament being played in familiar subcontinental conditions. He said the players understood the expectations and accepted responsibility for falling short.

The captain highlighted key moments where Sri Lanka lost control of the game. After restricting New Zealand to a competitive total, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled to build partnerships during the chase. Early wickets derailed momentum, and the middle order could not recover under scoreboard pressure.

Shanaka also pointed to inconsistencies throughout the tournament. While the team showed glimpses of promise in certain phases, they were unable to string together complete performances. He stressed that T20 cricket demands sharp execution in all departments — batting, bowling, and fielding — and admitted that Sri Lanka lacked that balance at crucial stages.

The skipper expressed pride in the younger players who stepped up during the tournament but said the squad would need to reflect and rebuild ahead of future international assignments. He emphasised the importance of learning from setbacks and developing greater consistency in high-pressure matches.

Throughout the competition, Sri Lanka faced stiff opposition in the Super 8 stage. Despite entering the tournament with optimism, defeats at key junctures left them relying on other results — a position Shanaka said the team should avoid in future campaigns.

Looking ahead, Shanaka assured fans that the team management would conduct a detailed review of performances. He reiterated his commitment to leading a stronger comeback, stating that Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy demands higher standards.

The exit marks a disappointing end to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup journey, but Shanaka maintained that setbacks can be turning points. He called for unity and patience from supporters as the team begins preparations for upcoming bilateral series and future ICC tournaments.

For Sri Lanka, the focus now shifts to rebuilding confidence and restoring momentum in international cricket after a campaign that promised much but ultimately ended in frustration.