Women’s T20 WC: Athapaththu Shoulders Blame After SL’s Setback, Says ‘I'm A Failure As Captain’
Women’s T20 WC: Athapaththu shoulders blame after SL’s setback, says ‘Im a failure as a captain’
Facing the media after the match, an emotional Athapaththu said the disappointment extended beyond a single defeat, as she feared another opportunity to guide Sri Lanka into the knockout stages of a World Cup may have slipped away.
"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 a big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain," Athapaththu said in the post-match press conference.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 98 after being put under pressure by the West Indies attack, leaving the opposition with a manageable chase. Athapaththu, who has carried much of Sri Lanka's batting burden over the years, believed she had fallen short when her team needed her the most.
"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsibly 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 added.
The defeat leaves Sri Lanka requiring victories in their remaining group-stage matches against Ireland and Scotland while also depending on favourable results elsewhere to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsibly 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 added.
Also Read: Live Cricket Score"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," Athapaththu stated.
Article Source: IANS