SL vs ZIM: Angelo Mathews Returns To Sri Lanka T20I Squad After Three Years

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Senior all-rounder Angelo Mathews has made his comeback to the shortest format on the international stage after a three-year gap as Sri Lanka announced their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 9) announced a 16-member squad that will be led for the first time by all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who makes his return from a injury lay-off.

Mathews, who was called up as a replacement to India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, forms a part of a strong batting group that has vice-captain Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Pathum Nissanka, whose inclusion is subject to fitness.

The 36-year-old Mathews' inclusion boosts the all-rounders options for the hosts with Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis also in the squad.

As for the bowling options, Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera lead the pace attack that also has the exciting Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana. In the spin department, Hasaranga is joined by Maheesh Theekshana and Akila Dananjaya.

Like Mathews, spinner Dananjay also makes a comeback to the national side for the first time after a three-year gap. His last international appearance came back in September 2021.

Meanwhile, the likes of Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando and Janith Liyanage, as well as Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay missed out on spots in the squad.

The three T20Is to be played on January 14, 16 and 18 against Zimbabwe in Colombo will kick start Sri Lanka's official preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in June.

Sri Lanka T20I squad vs Zimbabwe 2024

Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Janith Perera (wicketkeeper), 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.