Co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka, have been eliminated from the competition after a crushing defeat by New Zealand in the decisive Super Eights match. The loss has triggered a wave of criticism and immediate demands for changes in the cricket federation's management. Captain Dasun Shanaka admitted that pressure and constant criticism are destructively affecting the players' mental health. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the entire selection committee have resigned in the wake of the failure.

Decisive defeat and elimination

Sri Lanka lost to New Zealand by 61 runs, scoring only 107 runs for eight wickets lost. The team had already lost to England earlier, making victory in this match necessary for advancement. The players failed to handle the pressure, and criticism of their form had been growing even before the tournament.

Resignations in the federation's management

Following the defeat, head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the entire selection committee resigned. Captain Dasun Shanaka may also lose his position. In the media and among fans, demands for 'heads to roll' and radical changes in Sri Lanka Cricket's management have been heard.

Captain on players' mental health

Dasun Shanaka stated that constant criticism from the media and fans negatively affects the players' well-being and performance. He appealed for more support, while also admitting that the team's performance was 'humiliating'.

Fan reaction and pressure

The defeat at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was watched by 35,000 spectators, who booed their own team. Sri Lanka was a host of the tournament, which further heightened expectations. Failure on home soil is considered one of the biggest disappointments in the history of Sri Lankan cricket.

Co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka, have been eliminated from the competition after a crushing defeat by New Zealand. The Super Eights match was a „do or die” situation for the Lankans, as a previous loss to England meant only a victory would secure their place in the semi-finals. The New Zealanders, having recovered from a shaky start, set a target of 168 runs. In response, Sri Lanka collapsed early on, losing four wickets with just 29 runs on the board after nine overs and finishing their innings on a dismal 107-8. The defeat triggered an immediate storm. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who had previously announced his resignation at the end of the World Cup, officially left his post. A similar fate befell the entire selection committee, responsible for controversial squad selections. Captain Dasun Shanaka, although he publicly apologized to fans for the „humiliating” performance, is also under fire. „No matter how we as cricketers try to stay positive, there is negativity outside.” — Captain Dasun Shanaka – admitted the captain, pointing to the harmful impact of constant criticism on the players' psyche. In the media and among fans, loud demands for „heads to roll” and deep changes in the cricket federation's management have been heard.

[{"dataISO": "2026-02-25", "data": "February 25", "tytul": "Elimination match", "opis": "Sri Lanka loses to New Zealand by 61 runs and is eliminated from the T20 World Cup."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-25T22:00", "data": "February 25, evening", "tytul": "Public reaction", "opis": "Fans at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo boo their own team."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-26", "data": "February 26", "tytul": "Resignations in management", "opis": "Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the entire selection committee submit their resignations."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-26T07:46", "data": "February 26, morning", "tytul": "Captain's statement", "opis": "Dasun Shanaka speaks about the negative impact of criticism on players' mental health."}] Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in the final. Since that triumph, Sri Lankan cricket has plunged into instability, with frequent coaching changes, internal conflicts, and unsatisfactory results, preventing the rebuilding of its former status as a world power. Before the tournament, the team was criticized for poor preparation, including a series of five losses in six matches against England. Despite a victory over Australia in the group stage, the ultimate defeat on home soil proved to be a national-scale disappointment, intensifying pressure at all levels.

Mentioned People

  • Dasun Shanaka — Captain of the Sri Lanka national cricket team
  • Sanath Jayasuriya — Head coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, who resigned
  • Mitchell Santner — Captain of the New Zealand national cricket team
  • Cole McConchie — New Zealand cricketer who scored 31* runs
  • Rachin Ravindra — New Zealand bowler who took four wickets
  • Matt Henry — New Zealand bowler who took two wickets