Athapaththu Takes the Blame After Sri Lanka’s Loss: ‘I Feel Like a Failure as Captain’

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has accepted responsibility for her team’s defeat to West Indies, saying she feels she has let the side down as skipper. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 98 in 19.4 overs, and West Indies reached the target with five wickets in hand and 23 balls to spare.

Semi-final hopes fading

It was Sri Lanka’s second loss in three games and left them fifth in Group B. A semi-final place is still mathematically possible, but Athapaththu said she is heartbroken at the thought of another exit at the group stage.

She reflected that after roughly 18 years playing for Sri Lanka she has never taken them to a World Cup semi-final. Personally she has achieved plenty, she said, but as captain that gap is the biggest pain of her career.

A tough day with the bat

Athapaththu scored just two before West Indies captain Hayley Matthews dismissed her in the third over. She said she should have played with more responsibility, adding that a longer stay might have changed the result. She did not want to blame teammates, stressing that she carries extra responsibility as captain and one of the most experienced players.

What about the future?

The next Women’s T20 World Cup is due to be held in Pakistan in 2028, which raises questions over how long the 36-year-old will continue. She said she cannot say much yet, that fitness will be a major factor, and that she will keep working on her skills. If the team still needs her and her performances justify it, she will play on.

Despite the disappointment, she remains committed to contributing to Sri Lankan cricket, even though it is unclear whether another World Cup chance will come.