Mathews, Kamindu, KJP named in Sri Lanka’s T20 Squad

Veteran Anjelo Mathews, ambidextrous all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and dashing batter Kusal Janith Perera are notable inclusion in the 16 member T20 squad to face Zimbabwe.

Mathews will return to the shorter format of the game after almost 3 years after the 36 year old last featured back in 2021.

Apart from the trio, the likes of Nuwan Thushara and Akila Dananjaya have also make a cut to the squad after being left out for certain period.

Looking at the squad it seems like the new selectors have bank more on spinners where they also named Dhananjaya de Silva which is another spin option alongside Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kamindu Mendis and Akila Dhananjaya.

In batting front the likes of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka will need to do the bulk with the bat.

Dilshan Madushanka will lead the pace attack. along with Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana

The only concern for Sri Lanka will be the availability of thier opening batter Pathum Nissanka who’s participation will be subject to a fitness test as the opener is still recovering from Dengue.

Meanwhile the 3 match T20 series will mark as a new Era for Sri Lanka cricket under the new Captaincy of Wanindu Hasarana.

Hasaranga will make his comeback after missing the Asia Cup and the 50-overs World Cup last year after picking up an injury in the Lanka Premier League in August 2023.

Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka’s anchor for a while now. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset, and at a young age, he has already established himself as a key player in the national squad.

T20Is series will commence on Sunday (14) with second and third games scheduled to be played on 16 and 18 at RPS, Colombo.

T20 Fixtures;

Jan 14: 1st T20I
Jan 16: 2nd T20I
Jan 18: 3rd T20I

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