We lost because of the negative criticism from people who don't watch the matches - Dasun Shanaka

Sri Lanka became the first team to be eliminated from the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup yesterday, after suffering a 61-run defeat against New Zealand. Speaking to Cricinfo, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka cited severe negative criticism surrounding the team, pitches favorable to bowlers, and fitness issues of key players as the main reasons for this defeat and their exit from the tournament, which occurred in front of a massive crowd gathered at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Due to the poor performance of the Sri Lankan team in limited-overs matches since mid-last year, they have faced severe criticism from the public. This situation has been exacerbated by consecutive defeats against Zimbabwe, England, and New Zealand. Commenting on this, Shanaka stated that no matter how positively the players try to remain, the negativity heard from outside has caused significant damage to Sri Lankan cricket. He strongly asserted that such harmful criticism by individuals outside the stadiums with microphones, whether they watch the match or not, has severely impacted the mental health of the players, and that it is advisable for the government to intervene and control this situation to save at least the future generation.

The captain admitted that he and the management made a mistake in understanding the nature of the R. Premadasa pitch. He did not expect the spinners to get so much assistance so early, and the Sri Lankan innings was restricted to 107 runs, losing six wickets to New Zealand's spinners. Although batsmen who showed high strike rates and skills in domestic matches were included in the squad, he expressed his regret that favorable pitches for batsmen were not available throughout the tournament. He had already expressed his displeasure about the spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches even before the tournament began.

Another major factor that severely affected the team throughout the tournament was injuries and fitness issues. In the very first match, key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a muscle injury, and fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana also got injured in the match against Australia. Additionally, Ishan Malinga had to withdraw due to an injury before the tournament even started. Shanaka emphasized that physical fitness is a mandatory factor, pointing out a direct link between fitness levels and injuries. Cricket commentator Farveez Maharoof also questioned the poor plans executed by Sri Lankan fast bowlers in the latter part of the match, stating that this defeat was painful and shameful.

Finally, Dasun Shanaka apologized to all Sri Lankan spectators who came to the stadiums in Colombo and Pallekele to support the team. Stating that no one in the current squad would likely get another chance to play a World Cup in Sri Lanka, he expressed the team's deep regret for failing to fulfill everyone's hope of reaching the semi-finals.

Based on Cricinfo