'I think I'm a failure as a captain': Athapaththu distraught after loss to West Indies

Chamari Athapaththu feels she has "failed as a captain," expressing deep regret after potentially missing out on yet another semi-final spot following Sri Lanka's defeat to West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup.

A distraught Athapaththu felt "sadness beyond words" after their five-wicket defeat left them with two points in three games, and a very slim chance of making it through. But it wasn't just about this tournament: Athapaththu's regret was a culmination of 18 years of personal accomplishments that haven't been able to translate to national glory.

After their latest defeat, Athapaththu took the blame upon herself.

"It's sadness beyond words," she said in the post-match press conference. "I think I played around 18 years for the national team, I could never get a chance to take my team into a semifinal of a World Cup. Even though I have achieved many things personally, I think I'm a failure as a captain. I think that's a big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain."

Athapaththu was one of three batters to fall inside the first three overs, as Sri Lanka were reduced to 9/3, eventually managing 98 all out. West Indies lost five wickets but never looked in much trouble in the small chase. With three wins in three, they are level with England in Group B, favourites to go through to the semis.

"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsibly than this," Athapaththu conceded. "If I played more responsibly than this today, we could have win 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."

Sri Lanka have failed to progress beyond the first round in each edition since 2009, with Athapaththu being part of every single one. As their highest run-getter in the format, and the captain in the last six editions, she has always been at the forefront of the side, but the latest loss could have potentially ended her final attempt.

In 114 matches under her leadership, Sri Lanka have won 49 and lost 62. No player other than Harmanpreet Kaur has led their side in more Women's T20Is.

The next T20 World Cup will be played in Pakistan in 2028: Athapaththu remained coy about her future plans beyond the current event.

"For now, I can't give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I'm 36 years old," she said. "So, with fitness and all, that's being decided. So, I try my best to keep my physical fitness at a good level, and to keep my skills at 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."