Sri Lanka retain Malinga as bowling consultant for T20 World Cup

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Sri Lanka have once again hired Lasith Malinga as a consultant bowling coach as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament alongside India, with the competition commencing on February 7.

Sanath Jayasuriya's side will get their campaign underway a day later against Ireland, while they will also face Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman in the group stage. T20 World Cup 2026 Squads: Full List of Teams

Malinga has previously worked as a bowling consultant at least twice in the past for his country, and Sri Lanka will be hoping his experience will help the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara.

"Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga's vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lanka's preparations for the upcoming World Cup," the board release said.

Malinga took 107 wickets in 84 T20Is for Sri Lanka, with only Wanindu Hasaranga (146 in 90 matches) taking more scalps for the country.

Of Malinga's 107 wickets in the shortest format, 43 came from knocking over the batter's stumps, the seventh-most of any bowler in T20Is.

He was also a part of the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning team, taking five wickets on the way to lifting the trophy in Bangladesh.