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“It’s Not in My Hand” – Shanaka Leaves Captaincy Decision to Selectors After World Cup Exit

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Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has admitted that his future as T20 skipper is no longer in his control following the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that the decision now rests entirely with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket.

“I don’t know how long I will be as captain. It’s not in my hand; it’s up to the selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket. I’m happy to lead this team. I have taken some good decisions; in the meantime, some didn’t go as planned,” Shanaka said after Sri Lanka’s 61-run defeat to New Zealand.

His remarks came at the end of a turbulent campaign that began with promise but ended in disappointment.

Tactical Misread Proves Costly

Shanaka openly acknowledged that misjudging conditions played a key role in the heavy loss to New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, expecting the fresh surface to behave similarly to earlier matches.

“We thought the pitch would be a good one because it was new. We didn’t expect it to turn that much. It was a collective decision to bowl first. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way we thought. It became another typical Kettarama wicket where the ball spun.”

New Zealand recovered from 84 for 6 thanks to a late assault, adding 70 runs in the final four overs to reach 168 for 7 — a surge Shanaka admitted proved decisive.

“They bided their time and then exploded. Conceding 70 runs in four overs was disheartening. If we had kept them around 130, we might have had a chance.”

Batting Collapse Seals Fate

Sri Lanka’s reply faltered immediately. Pathum Nissanka fell first ball, and regular wickets derailed the chase. Only Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) showed resistance, but the target was never seriously threatened.

Shanaka did not hide his frustration.

“We have some of the best batters in the country. Everyone walks out intending to win for Sri Lanka. It’s very disappointing that we couldn’t deliver anything for our fans.”

He also reflected on the narrow defeat to England earlier in the Super 8 stage — a result that, in his view, could have changed the team’s tournament trajectory.

A Campaign of Highs and Lows

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey started brightly with wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia. However, a shock loss to Zimbabwe in the final group game shifted momentum dramatically.

Subsequent defeats to England and New Zealand ended hopes of a semi-final berth.

With one match remaining against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka now play purely for pride.

“I have no words for the fans to say we haven’t given them anything to cheer for. But we will look forward to ending the tournament on a high,” Shanaka concluded.

What Next for Shanaka?

Shanaka’s comments suggest uncertainty over his leadership future. While he remains willing to continue, the final call lies with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket — decisions likely to shape the next phase of Sri Lanka’s T20 rebuild.

As the curtain falls on a disappointing campaign, attention now turns to accountability, leadership direction, and whether change is on the horizon for Sri Lankan cricket

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Croospulle’s Century Powers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to Comfortable Win

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A brilliant century from Lasith Croospulle guided Sri Lanka ‘A’ to a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI played in Hambantota.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a formidable 368/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Croospulle led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 76 balls, striking 13 fours and six sixes in an aggressive display. He was well supported by Sonal Dinusha, who hammered 93 off 77 deliveries, and captain Sahan Arachchige, who contributed a solid 74. The top order maintained a high scoring rate throughout, consistently putting pressure on the visiting bowlers. Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, the hosts kept the momentum intact to reach an imposing total.

In response, New Zealand ‘A’ faced a revised target of 203 in 28 overs but managed only 158/3. Curtis Heaphy top-scored with an unbeaten 53, while Dale Phillips added 34. However, the required run rate proved too steep as Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers maintained control. Dilshan Madushanka struck early, and Milan Rathnayaka and Ravindu Fernando chipped in with key wickets to restrict the chase.

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Sri Lanka U19 Women suffer narrow defeat in thrilling encounter

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Sri Lanka U19 Women suffered their first defeat of the tri-series after a dramatic one-wicket loss to Australia U19 Women in Match 3 of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Series in Australia.

Batting first, Sri Lanka U19 Women posted a modest total of 174 in 49.3 overs. The innings was built around a patient 25 off 56 balls by V. Balasuriya and a brisk 20 from U. Peiris, but the side struggled to build lasting partnerships. Australia’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout, with M. Barwick leading the effort with an impressive 3 for 22, well supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the unit.

In response, Australia U19 Women chased down the target in 43.1 overs, finishing at 175 for 9 in a nail-biting finish. A. Dermody anchored the innings with a crucial 59 off 81 deliveries, while I. Panelli added a valuable unbeaten 37 off 43 balls to guide the hosts over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers made a strong effort to defend the total, led by A. Thalagune’s outstanding five-wicket haul (5 for 42), which kept the contest alive until the final moments. N. Upeksha also provided excellent support with 3 for 5, applying pressure during the middle overs.

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Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi blitz helps Royals continue winning streak

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A breathtaking opening assault from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League 2026, as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a high-octane 11-over contest in Guwahati.

After being asked to bat, Rajasthan came out firing on all cylinders. Jaiswal was at his explosive best, smashing 77 off just 32 balls, peppered with 10 fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sooryavanshi, who produced a stunning cameo of 39 from only 14 deliveries, including five towering sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid 80-run opening stand in under five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Despite a brief slowdown following a couple of wickets from AM Ghazanfar, contributions from skipper Riyan Parag ensured the Royals finished strongly at 150/3.

Chasing 151 in a shortened game, Mumbai never truly recovered from early setbacks. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma struck crucial blows upfront, removing key batters including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply.

A late flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 25 off just eight balls, briefly raised hopes, but disciplined bowling from Ravi Bishnoi and Nandre Burger kept things in control.
Mumbai Indians eventually finished at 123/9, falling well short.

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