Follow UsAngelo Mathews returns to the Sri Lanka squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against Zimbabwe. He is set to play in the format for the first time since 2021. Sri Lanka have brought him in with the T20 World Cup less than five months away. Mathews was also roped into the squad in the middle of the ODI World Cup, as a replacement for the injured Matheesha Pathirana, after being left out of the squad in the 50-over format in 2021.
Newly-appointed captain Wanindu Hasaranga also returns to the side after overcoming injury issues that kept him out of the World Cup. Nuwan Thushara and Akila Dananjaya too are back in the side. Tushara was recently named Jofra Archer's replacement for MI Cape Town in the SA20, and picked my Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction for INR 4.80 crore.
Along with Dananjaya, Sri Lanka have also included ambidextrous spinner Kamindu Mendis, while Dunith Wellalage and Chamika Karunaratne have been left out. Pathum Nissanka's participation in the three-match series is subject to fitness.
Sri Lanka currently lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 with one more game left. The T20Is, on the other hand, will begin from Sunday (January 14). All the matches will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe: 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