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Veteran Sri Lanka all-rounder apologised to the fans on behalf of the entire team as they failed to get past the first round of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Sri Lanka were knocked out of the Super 8 race after Bangladesh beat Netherlands on June 13.
Sri Lanka's match against Nepal was abandoned due to rain on June 11 whereas they suffered defeats against South Africa and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka will now face Netherlands in a dead rubber clash at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, ST Lucia.
While apologising Mathews also avoided making a controversial statement. Earlier, Maheesh Theekshana had complained about their group stage matches being played at four different venues.
"We've let the entire nation down and we are really sorry because we've let ourselves down. We never expected this," Mathews said. "We came across a lot of challenges but those are not something to worry about. It's unfortunate that we didn't make the second round."
Not taking Netherlands lightly
While Sri Lanka are out of Super 8 race, Netherlands have a chance to qualify if they beat Sri Lanka. After Nepal gave South Africa a scare, Sri Lanka will not make the mistake of taking Netherlands lightly.
"We can't take any given team lightly," Mathews said ahead of Sunday's match. "We saw Nepal almost beat South Africa yesterday. It's unfortunate that our Nepal game was washed out, but it is what it is. We have just one more game in the tournament and we'll play for our pride.
"We haven't done justice to ourselves, especially the way we played in the first two games, so it's very unfortunate. We are heartbroken, and we are hurting so much within ourselves. But it's another day tomorrow and then we have to come up against the Netherlands, and the Netherlands are a very, very dangerous team. So, we hope to play well and beat them."
Last T20 World Cup for Mathews?
Mathews was also asked whether the game against Netherlands will be his last in T20 World Cups. The all-rounder did not give a clear answer as Sri Lanka will co-host the next edition of the marquee event.
"I play every game as if its my last game. Nothing in life is certain. I'm trying to do whatever I can for the team. I don't have big hopes about the next game, or the next series. I have some time to think about all those things and make a decision. From my side I haven't settled on anything. The selectors' opinions are needed, more than mine. I'm playing because of the love I have for the sport - whether that's for the national team or my club team," said the 37-year-old.
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