“I want to apologize to all the fans” - Dasun Shanaka after Sri Lanka’s five-run defeat to Pakistan

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who scored an impressive 76-run unbeaten knock off 31 balls with two fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 245.16 against Pakistan, has apologized to the fans after the team’s five-run defeat in their last game of the campaign.

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Speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony, Shanaka reckoned that injuries to in-form players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana turned out to be the key reasons behind the team’s early exit from the campaign. 

“It was that close of a game where I could have finished it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Credit to Shaheen, he bowled really well,” Dasun Shanaka said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“It’s been a tough campaign for us. We had a few injuries and we disappointed the crowd. I want to apologize to all the fans because we fell short due to those injuries. Otherwise, we could have probably made it to the semi-finals. In the future, if we can avoid injuries, I believe this team will perform very well on good tracks,” he added.

“Missing two key bowlers (On losing Hasaranga and Pathirana) was a big loss. They would have played if they were available. At a World Cup, we need all our players fit and available. It also affects the team’s strength and mentality. It’s a significant setback, but hopefully they will return soon and continue to do well for Sri Lankan cricket,” he stated.

“As players, we feel pressure as well. It was a mistake on my part, and I want to apologize again to the fans for disappointing them. I will make sure it doesn’t happen again. All the players are thankful to everyone who has supported us over the years. I feel very disheartened about the situation,” he noted.

For Sri Lanka, Pavan Rathnayake emerged as the star batter, scoring 205 runs from seven innings at an average of 34.16 and a strike rate of 154.13 with two half-centuries. Moreover, Dunith Wellalage scalped eight wickets from seven innings at an average of 24.37.

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“Pavan Rathnayake has been very consistent and has used the crease well. He is a very positive sign for Sri Lankan cricket. We also have Wellalage, who is developing well. Hopefully, they both have a bright future ahead,” he concluded.

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