Sri Lanka’s T20I selection for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe displays a deliberate blend of experience and new talent, with Angelo Mathews’ return stealing the show. Mathews, who has been out of T20I action for nearly three years, is ready to return, bringing a seasoned touch to the team’s composition.
Batters Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva have been reinstated to the T20I team after being omitted from the recent ODIs. Their presence indicates a shift in emphasis towards the shorter format, emphasising the team’s desire to developing a well-rounded T20 squad.
Spinner Akila Dananjaya, round-arm seam bowler Nuwan Thushara, and batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis round out the talented lineup.
The absence of opener Avishka Fernando and other key players such as Nuwanidu Fernando and Janith Liyanage, however, raises concerns, especially given Liyanage’s recent spectacular performance as Player of the Match in the second ODI against Zimbabwe.
The selectors have also decided to leave out all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, seamer Pramod Madushan, and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, indicating a thorough approach to assembling a T20 squad.
Pathum Nissanka’s participation is conditional on his fitness following a recent hospitalisation for probable dengue fever. Nissanka’s comeback, if healthy, might bring depth and steadiness to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
These three Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe are crucial for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the T20 World Cup later this year. With only seven T20Is scheduled in 2023, these games will be critical for the squad to fine-tune their strategy, evaluate player performances, and establish their game plan for the forthcoming world event.
All three T20Is will be contested at Kettarama on January 14, 16, and 18.
Sri Lanka squad:
Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya.
