'I think I'm a failure as a captain' - Chamari Athapaththu expresses sorrow after Sri Lanka's defeat to West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2026
"I think I played around 18 years for the national team, and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup," Chamari Athapaththu said.
"I think I played around 18 years for the national team, and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup," Chamari Athapaththu said.
📢'I think I'm a failure as a captain' - Chamari Athapaththu expresses sorrow after Sri Lanka's defeat to West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2026
Chamari-Athapaththu. (Photo source: X)
Sri Lanka's talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu cut a disappointed figure on Sunday, June 21, after Sri Lanka were outplayed by the West Indies at the County Ground in Bristol in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup 2026 clash. The Asian side was bowled out for just 98 in 19.4 overs before the team from the Caribbean romped home with five wickets and 23 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka suffered their second defeat in three matches and are currently placed at No. 5 in Group B, just above Ireland, who have already been eliminated. While they are not out of contention yet, Athapaththu called herself a failure as a captain, sensing that she might not be able to take her team beyond the group stage once again.
"Actually, it's a sadness beyond words. I think I played around 18 years for the national team and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup. Even though I have achieved many things personally, I think I'm a failure as a captain, because I think that's big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain," the opening batter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Athapaththu was dismissed by her opposite number, Hayley Matthews, in the third over after only scoring two runs off six balls. The Gokarella-born admitted that she should have played more responsibly. She feels she has lost her last opportunity to take her team to the knockouts.
"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsible than this and if I have played more responsible than this today, we could have won this match today. So, I regret that. Especially I don't like to blame anyone and I think I have more responsibility as a player, as the captain of the team and as a player with more experience. So, I'm very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance," she said.
The next edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is set to be played in Pakistan in 2028. Athapaththu said she is 36 years old now and will try to work on her physical fitness to give herself the best chance of participating.
"For now, I can't give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I'm 36 years old. So, with fitness and all, that's being decided. So, I try my best to keep my physical fitness in a good level, and to keep my skills in a high level. 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," she added.
Chamari-Athapaththu. (Photo source: X)
Sri Lanka's talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu cut a disappointed figure on Sunday, June 21, after Sri Lanka were outplayed by the West Indies at the County Ground in Bristol in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup 2026 clash. The Asian side was bowled out for just 98 in 19.4 overs before the team from the Caribbean romped home with five wickets and 23 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka suffered their second defeat in three matches and are currently placed at No. 5 in Group B, just above Ireland, who have already been eliminated. While they are not out of contention yet, Athapaththu called herself a failure as a captain, sensing that she might not be able to take her team beyond the group stage once again.
"Actually, it's a sadness beyond words. I think I played around 18 years for the national team and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup. Even though I have achieved many things personally, I think I'm a failure as a captain, because I think that's big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain," the opening batter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Athapaththu was dismissed by her opposite number, Hayley Matthews, in the third over after only scoring two runs off six balls. The Gokarella-born admitted that she should have played more responsibly. She feels she has lost her last opportunity to take her team to the knockouts.
"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsible than this and if I have played more responsible than this today, we could have won this match today. So, I regret that. Especially I don't like to blame anyone and I think I have more responsibility as a player, as the captain of the team and as a player with more experience. So, I'm very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance," she said.
The next edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is set to be played in Pakistan in 2028. Athapaththu said she is 36 years old now and will try to work on her physical fitness to give herself the best chance of participating.
"For now, I can't give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I'm 36 years old. So, with fitness and all, that's being decided. So, I try my best to keep my physical fitness in a good level, and to keep my skills in a high level. 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," she added.
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'He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming' - Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission for ODIs vs England
Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England.
Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England.
📢'He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming' - Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission for ODIs vs England
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England. The Men in Blue face the Three Lions in three ODIs in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London, on July 14, 16, and 19, respectively.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra noted that Jaiswal has been left out of the Indian team several times despite scoring runs. The southpaw came in as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan series. However, he hasn't been named in the squad that will travel to the United Kingdom, as Kohli has been picked subject to fitness. Chopra believes that Jaiswal would feel what else he needs to do, with Ishan Kishan being preferred over him because of the multiple roles the wicketkeeper-batter can perform.
"You've got to feel for Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has played very few matches and has scored two centuries. He scored a century in the last match against South Africa and was dropped for the next series. He scored a century in the last match against Afghanistan now and has been dropped for the next series," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"What more can I do? He will ask that question of himself for sure, but this is what it is. Shubman Gill is there with Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan provides you with multiple options. He is a keeper, backup middle order, and backup opener as well. He is one guy who fits everywhere. However, you have got to feel for Yashasvi. He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming," he added.
Kishan finished as the second-highest run-getter in the series against Afghanistan, scoring 159 in two innings at a strike rate of 157.43. In the second ODI in Lucknow, the Jharkhand skipper slammed 125 off 79 balls. Meanwhile, Jaiswal's ton came in Chennai. He remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England. The Men in Blue face the Three Lions in three ODIs in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London, on July 14, 16, and 19, respectively.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra noted that Jaiswal has been left out of the Indian team several times despite scoring runs. The southpaw came in as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan series. However, he hasn't been named in the squad that will travel to the United Kingdom, as Kohli has been picked subject to fitness. Chopra believes that Jaiswal would feel what else he needs to do, with Ishan Kishan being preferred over him because of the multiple roles the wicketkeeper-batter can perform.
"You've got to feel for Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has played very few matches and has scored two centuries. He scored a century in the last match against South Africa and was dropped for the next series. He scored a century in the last match against Afghanistan now and has been dropped for the next series," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"What more can I do? He will ask that question of himself for sure, but this is what it is. Shubman Gill is there with Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan provides you with multiple options. He is a keeper, backup middle order, and backup opener as well. He is one guy who fits everywhere. However, you have got to feel for Yashasvi. He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming," he added.
Kishan finished as the second-highest run-getter in the series against Afghanistan, scoring 159 in two innings at a strike rate of 157.43. In the second ODI in Lucknow, the Jharkhand skipper slammed 125 off 79 balls. Meanwhile, Jaiswal's ton came in Chennai. He remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes.
Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first cricketer to play 200 T20Is
Harmanpreet made her international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in March 2009.
Harmanpreet made her international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in March 2009.
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ENG vs NZ 2026: England fined and docked 12 WTC points for slow over rate in second Test
The Three Lions have been fined 50 per cent of their match fees and docked 12 points in the ICC World Test Championship standings
The Three Lions have been fined 50 per cent of their match fees and docked 12 points in the ICC World Test Championship standings
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Reports: Rishabh Pant was sacked from his role as LSG skipper
If reports are to be believed, Rishabh Pant didn't relinquish captaincy by himself. Instead, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management removed him from the role after two disappointing seasons.
If reports are to be believed, Rishabh Pant didn't relinquish captaincy by himself. Instead, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management removed him from the role after two disappointing seasons.
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[WATCH] ‘Keeps my head on’ - Glenn Phillips reveals why he opted to wear sunglasses against Jofra Archer
New Zealand scripted a famous victory over the hosts after losing the first Test match of the three-match series.
New Zealand scripted a famous victory over the hosts after losing the first Test match of the three-match series.
'India have to beat Australia now' - Mithali Raj analyses what went wrong for Harmanpreet and Co. against South Africa
Mithali Raj dissected India's defeat to South Africa on Sunday, June 21, and mentioned changes the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side should make in the upcoming match against Bangladesh.
Mithali Raj dissected India's defeat to South Africa on Sunday, June 21, and mentioned changes the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side should make in the upcoming match against Bangladesh.
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: 'Always special playing in the World Cup, probably brings the best in me' - Marizanne Kapp after match-winning knock against India
An all-round performance, with figures of 2 for 27 and an unbeaten 81 off just 45 balls, saw Kapp lead the Proteas home in a high-stakes clash.
An all-round performance, with figures of 2 for 27 and an unbeaten 81 off just 45 balls, saw Kapp lead the Proteas home in a high-stakes clash.
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Shree Charani matches record of taking most wickets for India in a Women's T20 World Cup Edition
Shree Charani has been very impressive in international cricket since making her debut in April 2025. During the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup, the left-arm spinner has been taking wickets for fun.
Shree Charani has been very impressive in international cricket since making her debut in April 2025. During the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup, the left-arm spinner has been taking wickets for fun.
'Writing was on the wall' - Kevin Pietersen takes a dig at England's 'Bazball' regime after Oval defeat
England have been going through a rough patch, both on and off the field.
England have been going through a rough patch, both on and off the field.
'Constructive criticism is fair and necessary but online abuse is not' - Shikha Pandey slams haters after India's defeat to South Africa
India have made things difficult for themselves after losing to South Africa by six wickets on Sunday, June 21, at Old Trafford, Manchester, in match No. 18 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
India have made things difficult for themselves after losing to South Africa by six wickets on Sunday, June 21, at Old Trafford, Manchester, in match No. 18 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026: Match 8, MW vs KBB Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between MW vs KBB?
Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters have won both of their first two matches of the season.
Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters have won both of their first two matches of the season.
'They're never really your runs' - Joe Root reacts to getting past 14,000 Test runs against New Zealand
Despite suffering a loss on his return to captaincy, Root surpassed a personal milestone by becoming only the second player in the format's history to score 14,000 runs.
Despite suffering a loss on his return to captaincy, Root surpassed a personal milestone by becoming only the second player in the format's history to score 14,000 runs.
'Is it the end of the road for Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs?' Aakash Chopra wonders after veteran all-rounder's absence in India's squad for England ODIs
"Time and again, we are seeing that he isn't being picked. Every time there is a squad selection, someone else comes in, and he gets left out," Aakash Chopra said about Ravindra Jadeja.
"Time and again, we are seeing that he isn't being picked. Every time there is a squad selection, someone else comes in, and he gets left out," Aakash Chopra said about Ravindra Jadeja.
England set to host Bangladesh for one-off Test in 2027
The venue for the match is yet to be decided, and is heavily dependent upon where the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final will be hosted.
The venue for the match is yet to be decided, and is heavily dependent upon where the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final will be hosted.
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Match 19, NZ W vs SCO W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between New Zealand Women vs Scotland Women?
This is a crucial encounter for the defending champions New Zealand.
This is a crucial encounter for the defending champions New Zealand.
ICC launches guidelines for female cricketers to return to action post-pregnancy
These guidelines have been developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee, led by Dr Philippa Inge, the doctor of Australia's women's side.
These guidelines have been developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee, led by Dr Philippa Inge, the doctor of Australia's women's side.
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Match 21, AUS W vs PAK W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between Australia Women vs Pakistan Women?
Pakistan are already eliminated from the competition.
Pakistan are already eliminated from the competition.
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'Credit to him this week' - Tom Latham talks about Matt Henry's rise in New Zealand team after win against England
The 34-year-old took 11 wickets for the match, including six in the second innings, to help the Black Caps level the series 1-1 and win Player of the Match.
The 34-year-old took 11 wickets for the match, including six in the second innings, to help the Black Caps level the series 1-1 and win Player of the Match.
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