• Source:JND
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Experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been recalled to Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Mathews last played a T20I for Sri Lanka in 2021. Previously, he earned an ODI comeback in the World Cup last year in India.

Before the quadrennial event, the 36-year-old was left out of the ODI side as well but injury marred Sri Lanka campaign paved way for Mathews return.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on January 14. Both teams are currently playing the three-match ODI series and the hosts have a 1-0 lead after the opening encounter got washed out.

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Sri Lanka made a leadership change across formats after the abysmal performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. It will be Wanindu Hasaranga's maiden assignment as Sri Lanka T20I skipper while Charith Asalanka will continue as limited-overs vice-captain.

Nuwan Thushara and Akila Dananjaya are the other noticeable comebacks in the T20I squad. Thushara made significant strides in domestic circuit and various franchise leagues across the globe. He was also picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 auction last month.

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Meanwhile, Dananjaya's return strengthens Sri Lanka's spin options as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States. In terms of spin options, ambidextrous all-rounder Kamindu Mendis returns to the squad, but Dunith Wellalage and Chamika Karunaratne are out. Pathum Nissanka's participation will be contingent on a fitness test, since the opener has been sidelined with an injury.  

Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe T20Is: 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.