Sun, 01 Mar 2026

Malinga Confident: Sri Lanka Will Triumph Again

Khaborwala Online Desk

Published: 28 Feb 2026, 01:34 pm

Image: Collected
Image: Collected

Sri Lanka’s performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup has fallen short of expectations. Despite securing a place in the Super 8 stage as co-hosts, consecutive defeats against England and New Zealand curtailed their campaign prematurely, leaving fans and former players disappointed.

Yet, former leg-spinner and Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup bowling consultant, Lasith Malinga, has urged supporters to remain patient. Reflecting on the country’s cricketing history, he reminded fans of the team’s capacity to rise again:

“Sri Lanka first won the World Cup in 1996. Subsequent tournaments saw the team exit disappointingly. Although we lost four finals afterward, true supporters never abandoned the side.”

Malinga emphasised that the trust and encouragement of fans were pivotal to Sri Lanka’s 2014 World Cup triumph. “That victory, achieved after 18 years of struggle and perseverance, demonstrated that patience, determination, and a love for cricket ultimately bring success,” he said. He added, “Even 12 years after that historic win, I firmly believe Sri Lanka can become world champions again.”

He further noted the unwavering dedication of the team’s supporters: “Countless devoted fans continue to back the team. Their encouragement will persist until the next trophy is claimed. The team can bounce back at any time and achieve global success once more.”

A concise overview of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup performances and key contributors is presented below:

YearWorld Cup OutcomeKey Contributor / ConsultantNotes
1996WinnerAravinda de SilvaFirst World Cup triumph
2014WinnerLasith MalingaEnded an 18-year wait for the title
RecentSuper 8Dasun ShanakaConsecutive defeats to England and New Zealand; early exit

Malinga’s remarks have ignited a renewed sense of hope among Sri Lankan cricket enthusiasts. By linking the team’s legacy with current challenges, he highlighted how perseverance and loyal support can restore national pride.

Looking ahead, fans anticipate that Sri Lanka will showcase its finest talent in upcoming T20 World Cups and embark on a new chapter of achievement. Malinga’s confidence reinforces faith in the team’s future, signalling that with sustained backing and commitment, Sri Lanka can once again reclaim a place among the world’s elite in cricket.

Israel Claims Strikes on 100 Iranian Targets

The Middle East has descended into a state of total war following a dramatic escalation in hostiliti...

Tehran Unleashes Second Wave of Retaliatory Strikes

The Middle East is currently witnessing a dramatic escalation in hostilities as the Islamic Revoluti...

Tehran Vows Continued Strikes Until Enemies’ Total Defeat

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared a state of "uninterrupted" warfare followi...

Iran Faces Widespread Internet Blackout

Following a coordinated strike by Israel and the United States, Iran has imposed severe restrictions...

Global Outcry Over Israel-US Strike on Iran

Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated following a joint military strike by Israel and t...

Shakira Returns for Historic Giza Pyramid Concert

The global music scene is electrified as Colombian superstar Shakira prepares to return to Egypt’s i...

Iran Launches 35 Ballistic Missiles at Israel

Early on Saturday morning, Iran reportedly launched at least 35 ballistic missiles targeting Israel,...

Flights Halted, Mushfiqur Stranded in Jeddah

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have severely disrupted regional air travel, leaving thous...

Missile Strike Rocks Jordanian Capital

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, a missile reportedly launched from Iran str...

Champions League ‘Death Half’ Packed With Champions

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw has revealed an exceptionally tough segment of the bracke...

Deadly Attack Hits Girls’ School in Iran

In the southern Iranian city of Minab, located in Hormozgan Province, the death toll from a recent a...

Pakistani Fighter Jet Crashes in Afghanistan, Pilot Captured

In a significant military incident on Saturday, 28 February, a Pakistani fighter jet crashed in Jala...