Last Updated on 3 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Following a devastating loss to the West Indies in Bristol, Sri Lanka’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign is now on life support. As a result, the renowned captain Chamari Athapaththu made an extremely honest and painful self-evaluation.
With five wickets and over four overs remaining, a formidable West Indies team methodically tracked down the target after Sri Lanka’s batting order collapsed for just 98 runs, with Athapaththu managing just two runs. Due to the severe defeat, Sri Lanka is currently in fifth place in Group 2. If Sri Lanka is to make it to the semi-finals, they will face an almost insurmountable mountain to climb, with an unbeaten England and the West Indies comfortably leading the pack and both New Zealand and Scotland boasting superior net run rates.
The tenth T20 World Cup is currently being played, and Athapaththu, who has spent over two decades to the national team, felt the weight of the moment plainly and crushingly.
Athapaththu, competing in her ninth T20 World Cup, remarked, “Actually, it’s a sadness beyond words,” following the loss. “I played for the national team for about eighteen years, but I never had the opportunity to lead my side to a World Cup semifinal.
“Even if I’ve accomplished a lot on my own, I believe that I’m a failure as captain since I believe that’s a major source of suffering for a player. I actually have to deal with that suffering now.”
The 36-year-old veteran accepted full responsibility for the batting meltdown and the ensuing loss. Instead of blaming colleagues, it was said that she had anchored the innings more successfully.
“I believe I gave it my all, and if I had played more responsibly today, we might have won this game. I regret that, then. So, I’m very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance. In particular, I don’t want to point the finger at anyone and believe that I have more duty as a player, team captain, and experienced player.”
Given her age and the two-year wait until the 11th edition of the competition in Pakistan in 2028, it was only logical to wonder if this event would be the end of her illustrious World Cup career. Athapaththu took a noncommittal posture, stating that her body and form will define her future.
Regarding her participation in the next T20 World Cup, Chamari stated, “For now, I can’t give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I’m 36 years old. So, that’s being decided with regard to fitness and stuff. I thus make every effort to maintain both a high level of talent and physical fitness. If the team wants, I will play in the future, but with my performance level and fitness level, it will be decided if I play or not.”
As the rest of the Group 2 schedule is completed, Sri Lanka must now swiftly process the heartbreak and compete for pride. On June 23, they face Ireland in Bristol, and on June 26, they will play Scotland in Manchester.
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