The Sri Lanka national cricket team’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in complete disappointment, and former cricketer Russel Arnold made his strong words felt across the country.
Sri Lanka out of T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 27.
That heavy defeat knocked Sri Lanka out of the tournament, making them the first team to be eliminated from the semi-final race in the Super 8s.
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The Sri Lankan bowlers did a good job restricting the Black Caps to 168/7, but the batting unit once again failed miserably in a crucial match. The top order collapsed for just 46 runs, putting the team under immense pressure and in the end could only score 107 runs in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup dream shattered once again by batting collapse
Earlier in the Super 8, England had bowled out Sri Lanka for just 95 runs. That batting problem came back to haunt him against the New Zealand cricket team. Rachin Ravindra was the hero for the Black Caps as he destroyed Sri Lanka’s middle order and took four wickets.
There was only one happy moment for Sri Lanka in the tournament and that was their spectacular win against Australia. Besides, fans didn’t have much to celebrate on home soil. After Sri Lanka’s exit, Arnold raised questions on the selection committee and team management.
The former cricketer said that the same mistakes have been continuing for years. He clarified that talent alone is not enough. Players have to show desire, hunger and performance.
If you can’t perform, walk away: Russell Arnold
Russell Arnold said on his social media handle, “It’s simple. If you can’t play, that’s it. There’s no point talking about this and that anymore. It’s been happening for years. We just hang around. I’m asking the players: Can you score runs? Can you catch the ball? If not, leave.”
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In his brutal attack, Arnold continued, “We’ll get someone who can catch. I can’t stay here from morning till night and try to teach you how to catch the ball. Do you even have the desire to catch the ball? Do you have the desire to score some runs?”
Russell took on Sri Lankan selectors
The cricket pundit emphasized that if someone does not perform well, the team should give chances to others instead of protecting the underperformers; Otherwise, they may never win the global tournament.
Russell said, “These are simple questions. If you can answer them, play. This guy’s good, that guy’s good, he needs twenty more matches… I think we’re in this position because we’re pampering everybody. If you’re going to play, play. If not, that’s OK; we’ll find somebody else.”
Russell Arnold is no longer mincing words, and neither should we.
“If you can play well, play. If not, you can go. We can’t do this every day. Catch the ball, score runs, survive. If not, lose. That’s all.”
We’re in this mess because we tried to please everyone too… pic.twitter.com/5GMNCZoLdU– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 28 February 2026
Sri Lanka’s batting is struggling
In particular, the Islanders’ batting troubles began early in the year. The top and middle order failed under pressure, leading them to a 3-0 bilateral series defeat at home and against England ahead of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
They entered the global tournament with the same weak and struggling batting lineup and the result is in front of the world.