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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Actually, it\u2019s 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\u2019m a failure as a captain because I think that\u2019s a big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain,\" Athapaththu said in the post-match press conference. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"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\u2019t 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\u2019m very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance,\" she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"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\u2019t 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\u2019m very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance,\" she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"For now, I can\u2019t give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I\u2019m 36 years old. So, with fitness and all, that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n