Veteran Angelo Mathews has been named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming T20I series at home against Zimbabwe.
The 36-year-old, who last featured for Sri Lanka in the shortest format back in 2021, once again finds himself back in the reckoning during a World Cup year, as was the case during the recent ODI World Cup. Mathews had also been left out of the 50-over format since 2021 but injuries saw him making the cut to the squad later on as a replacement.
The T20I series will see Wanindu Hasaranga taking over as Sri Lanka’s full-time captain in the shortest forma while Charith Asalanka will reprise his vice-captain role from the ODI side. Apart from the skipper who makes a return from injury, the likes of Nuwan Thushara and Akila Dananjaya are the other notable comeback men in the squad. After a raw start to his career, Thushara has made significant progress in domestic cricket and also across franchise leagues in the world. The 29-year-old was snapped up by Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL Auction.
Meanwhile, Dananjaya’s comeback enforces Sri Lanka’s spin options as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in West Indies and USA. Talking about the spin options, ambidextrous all-rounder Kamindu Mendis also makes a return to the squad while Dunith Wellalage and Chamika Karunaratne have been left out. Pathum Nissanka’s participation will be subject to a fitness test as the opener has been under the injury cloud.
Squad:
Wanindu Hasaranga(c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Janith Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka. Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka – subject to fitness, Maheesh Theekshana. Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya