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SL captain Dasun Shanaka still hopeful of making to T20 semi­final

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 10/31/2022 12:34:10 PM

Sydney, Oct 30 Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 102 runs in the Super-12 stage of the competition by Kane Williamson's New Zealand. Dasun Shanaka's side failed to negotiate the strike bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee and lost their match by 65 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A disappointed Shanka came out to the post match press conference and said that his still had an outside chance of qualifying for the semifinals and they are looking forward to the final two matches of their group.Sri Lanka had dominated New Zealand with their spin attack in the first 10 overs, removing the top order of the 2021 finalists. However, Glenn Phillips played an absolute masterclass on the day and ended up scoring 104 runs off New Zealand's 167. "I think we started really well, particularly in the first 10 overs. But credit to Glenn Phillips who played an outstanding knock," Shanaka said after the match.Sri Lanka have had an indifferent campaign so far. They lost their first match in the World Cup qualifiers but then put in a strong display to enter the main round of the tournament. Then in the Super-12 stage, they defeated Ireland and copped two heavy losses against Australia and New Zealand. On the day, Shanaka blamed the fielding and batting unit for the loss but remained hopeful for their chances in the semi-final. "We also dropped a few catches. 160 is always a tough ask with their bowling attack, but also Boult and Southee bowled.