Sri Lanka Captain Vows To Eliminate Pakistan From T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in last match [Source: AFP]

Sri Lanka crashed out of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday night, as they lost a must-win Super 8 encounter against New Zealand at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After the heavy defeat, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka was heartbroken and vowed to conclude the tournament on a winning note by defeating Pakistan in their final Super 8 match. 

The Lankan Lions failed to live up to the expectations in their own den, with the BlackCaps putting an end to their ambitions of qualifying for the T20 World Cup semifinal. As the co-hosts marked their exit from the tournament, Dasun Shanaka rued the missed opportunity to play the semifinal, promising the Lankan fans to sign off with a victory. 

Dasun Shanaka challenges Pakistan, vows to conclude T20 World Cup 2026 with a win

Sri Lanka had a dream start to the T20 World Cup 2026, securing thumping wins over Oman and Ireland. They extended their purple patch and presented themselves as strong contenders for the semifinals by swatting aside Australia in Pallekele. 

However, the Lankan side couldn't capitalise on the momentum, suffering a crushing defeat against Zimbabwe . They even failed to chase a paltry target of 147 runs against England, as the Three Lions steamrolled them by 51 runs. 

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Thus, Sri Lanka found themselves in a do-or-die situation when they took the field against New Zealand. Considering the co-hosts were playing at home, their passionate fans expected them make the most of the spin-friendly conditions and inch closer to the semifinal. 

But unfortunately, Sri Lanka were far from their best against New Zealand, as the BlackCaps put up a spirited effort to register their first win in the Super 8. 

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Dasun Shanaka apologised to the home crowd for his team's embarrassing exit. The Sri Lanka captain also appeared motivated to conclude the tournament on a high note and shatter Pakistan's dream of qualifying for the semifinals. 

"It is embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd. They have been very supportive. We started really well but that partnership took the game away from us. [on finishing the tournament on high] Absolutely one more game. We need to finish it high. Hopefully, we will do our best game in that game," Dasun Shanaka stated, as quoted by CREX. 

Super 8 Group 2 Semifinal Scenario: How can Pakistan qualify?

Talking about Pakistan, the Men in Green are currently placed third in the Super 8 points table. After their inaugural Super 8 match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, Pakistan conceded a narrow two-wicket defeat, as Harry Brook's century powered England to the semifinal. 

As things stand, Pakistan must win their last game against Sri Lanka to stay alive in the competition. If Sri Lanka get motivated by their skipper's words and win the last match, it will be all over for Salman Ali Agha and his troops. 

England have already qualified for the knockouts, while New Zealand have one foot in the T20 World Cup semifinal after thumping the Lankan team in Colombo. If the BlackCaps swat aside the English, Pakistan will mark their exit from the tournament, irrespective of the outcome of their final Super 8 clash. 

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