Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated from the tournament following a 61-run defeat to New Zealand on February 25, 2026. Captain Dasun Shanaka expressed deep regret over the team's performance, stating, "It is very embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd." Sri Lanka managed only 107 runs in response to New Zealand's 168, struggling particularly due to the loss of key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Ehsan Malinga to injuries. Shanaka acknowledged the team's misreading of pitch conditions, which favored spinners, and admitted, "We wanted to restrict them around 130, but... our best bowlers... played really well."
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Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Exit And Shanaka'S Criticism
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Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup hopes ended with a 61-run loss to New Zealand, prompting captain Shanaka to call for support amid injuries and external criticism affecting players' mental health.
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