/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
Follow Us
/sky247-english/media/media_files/2026/02/26/co-hosts-sri-lanka-were-knocked-out-after-a-61-run-defeat-to-new-zealand-2026-02-26-15-06-28.webp)
Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka has stated that it is very embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd after the team’s 61-run defeat to New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/2025/09/01/file_247_domain_blockage_1920x500px_cta-2025-09-01-21-55-04.webp)
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Shanaka clarified that Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie’s 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket changed the course of the game in the first innings.
"It is very embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd. You know, they've been very supportive. It's like we started really well, but to be honest, the Santner-McConchie and that partnership, it was a good one, which took the game away from us,” Shanaka said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"See, we wanted to restrict them around 130, but, you know, our best bowlers bowling at the given time, to be honest, they played really well, so we must give the credit to Mitchell Santner and Cole," he added.
Furthermore, Shanaka was disappointed with the way batters turned up in the last Super8 clashes against England and New Zealand as they suffered collapses in both the games to suffer an early elimination from the showpiece event.
"Of course, the batsmen will need to take a little responsibility at the top and you know we can't rely on one or two best men in a game, so all the batters need to take the positive option,” he stated.
"Yes, if you get out taking the positive option, you can be, you know, at least you can be relaxed once you come to the dugout, but here it is not the thing, we don't take the chances and it is T20 cricket, you need to show the intent a little bit more,” he concluded.
Having been eliminated, Sri Lanka will play for pride against Pakistan on Saturday, February 28 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!