Former champions Sri Lanka eliminated from ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

Former champions Sri Lanka have become the first team to be eliminated from Group D of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Sri Lanka's exit was confirmed when the Netherlands batted for the minimum five overs required in their ongoing match against Bangladesh, sealing the Wanindu Hasaranga-led side's fate regardless of the remaining outcomes. Sri Lanka have failed to reach the semi-final of the T20 World Cup for the fourth time in a row. They last reached the last four in 2014, when they won the title by defeating India in the final.

Sri Lanka's campaign has been nothing short of disastrous as they suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of South Africa and Bangladesh and their match against Nepal was washed out, leaving them with just one point from three games. Their final group match is set against the Netherlands on Sunday, June 16, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia.

Sri Lanka entered the tournament with high hopes but failed to live up to their potential. In their



opener, they were outplayed by South Africa, who showcased superior batting and bowling. The following match against Bangladesh saw Sri Lanka falter once more, unable to mount a significant challenge. The no-result match against Nepal due to rain added to their woes, leaving them with a slim chance to advance.

The permutations for Sri Lanka's progression were complex and improbable. They needed to secure a victory against the Netherlands in their final game and hoped for both the Netherlands and Bangladesh to lose their remaining matches. Additionally, Sri Lanka's net run rate was the worst among all five teams in Group D, further diminishing their chances of advancing.

The upcoming match against the Netherlands on June 16 will be a formality for Sri Lanka, as their elimination is already confirmed. Meanwhile, Nepal faces a challenging path with crucial matches against South Africa and the Netherlands. The outcome of these games will determine the second team from Group D to advance, alongside South Africa.