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Sri Lanka Focused on Strong T20 WC Start Despite Recent Series Loss to England

Sri Lanka enters the T20 World Cup on home soil following a 0-3 T20I series defeat to England. Captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged the disappointing result but emphasized the team is now fully fit and focused on the tournament. He stressed the critical importance of their opening Group B match against Ireland to build early momentum. Shanaka expressed confidence that the players are determined to perform well in a World Cup hosted in their own country.

Key Points: Sri Lanka's T20 WC Focus After England Loss: Shanaka

  • Team focused on WC despite 0-3 loss
  • First match vs Ireland crucial for momentum
  • Squad now fully fit after niggles
  • Playing a World Cup at home adds motivation
2 min read

Team focused on starting T20 WC well despite 0-3 series loss to England: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka

Captain Dasun Shanaka says Sri Lanka is fit and focused on a strong start against Ireland in the T20 World Cup despite a 0-3 series loss to England.

"I think the first match against Ireland is very important to build that momentum going forward. - Dasun Shanaka"

Colombo, February 8

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign opener against Ireland, said despite a recent 0-3 tournament loss against England, the team is focused on performing well in the T20 World Cup at home.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka enter the T20 World Cup following a 0-3 T20I series defeat to England on home soil. Prior to the T20Is, Sri Lanka also lost a 2-1 ODI series to England.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side, slotted into Group B at the T20 WC alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman, will play their first match on Sunday against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Speaking at the pre-match presser ahead of the team's campaign opener, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged their recent 0-3 series loss but said the team is now fully fit and focused. He emphasised the importance of the first match against Ireland to build momentum, with players determined to perform well on home soil.

"I think even though we lost that series 0-3, we had a chance to win the second match. But I wasn't really satisfied with the result. In the other two matches, we competed well. But I know that saying we competed is not an excuse. So, when it comes to this tournament, all the players are in good physical condition. Most of them had several niggles earlier, and we know those things shouldn't be repeated here," Shanaka said as quoted by the ICC website.

The Sri Lankan captain added, "What's more important is understanding the importance of this tournament and playing well, because everyone has the goal of performing better. This is a World Cup being played in our country. So, I think the first match against Ireland is very important to build that momentum going forward. All the players are hopeful of playing well. I think we will give a good performance tomorrow."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Losing 0-3 at home just before the World Cup is a big concern, no matter how you spin it. "Competing well" isn't enough, Shanaka is right about that. They need to start strong against Ireland, otherwise the group with Australia looks very tough. 🇱🇰
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Aman W
Respect to Shanaka for being honest. It's good they are fit now. Injuries can ruin any team's plans. The first match is crucial for momentum. Let's see if they can handle the pressure. The 2014 T20 WC win feels like a long time ago for them.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the mindset. From an outsider's perspective, focusing on the future rather than the past losses is the only way forward. Ireland can be a tricky opponent on their day. Should be a good opening match!
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Karthik V
The statement feels a bit repetitive – "we are fit, we are focused". Action on the field is what counts. Their bowling needs to step up big time. As an Indian, I always enjoy watching a strong Sri Lankan team, it makes the rivalry better. Hope they find their form.
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Nisha Z
Home advantage is real! The Premadasa crowd will be behind them. If Hasaranga and Theekshana fire, they can beat anyone. But the batting has been inconsistent. Need a good start from the openers. All the best to the Lankan lions! 🦁

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