If the T20 World Cup 2026 were a film, it would be packed with twists, shocks, and an unexpected anti-climax. From Australia’s early exit to defending champions India struggling for survival, the tournament has already delivered plenty of surprises. But one of the biggest jolts has come from Sri Lanka, who have been knocked out of the World Cup on home soil—something that hasn’t happened in three decades.

Hosts Sri Lanka crash out early

Sri Lanka, one of the tournament hosts, have been eliminated after back-to-back defeats in the Super 8 stage. Their campaign began on a disappointing note with a loss to England. Hopes of a comeback were crushed when they suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand in their second match.

The match, played in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25, saw Sri Lanka chasing a target of 169 runs. However, the home side collapsed dramatically and were bowled out for just 107, losing by 61 runs. This second consecutive defeat sealed their exit from the tournament and stunned fans across the country.

A historic streak comes to an end

This defeat marked a painful first for Sri Lanka. For the first time in nearly 30 years, Sri Lanka have failed to reach the final of an ICC tournament while hosting or co-hosting it. Since first hosting an ICC event in the mid-1990s, Sri Lanka had always managed to make it to the final—until now.

From glory to heartbreak

Sri Lanka co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996 and famously lifted the trophy. In 2002, they co-hosted the Champions Trophy and shared the title with India. The trend continued in 2011 when they reached the World Cup final, and again in 2012, when they finished runners-up in the T20 World Cup hosted at home.

The 2026 T20 World Cup, however, has broken that golden run. For the first time in three decades, Sri Lanka’s journey as hosts has ended without a place in the final—turning what was expected to be a celebration into one of the tournament’s most shocking chapters.