Within the wake of Sri Lanka’s outstanding three-wicket overcome Zimbabwe within the first T20I, the highlight shifted to former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, whose stellar efficiency with a thumping knock of 48 runs performed an important anchoring function in securing victory for his staff.
What made Mathews’ contribution much more noteworthy was the truth that he obtained a T20I call-up after a protracted hiatus of three years. Publish-match, the 36-year-old cricketer candidly expressed his frustration, criticizing the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) for seemingly overlooking him for an prolonged interval.
Mathews’ highly effective comeback not solely underscored his enduring expertise on the sphere but additionally raised questions concerning the choice selections that had saved him sidelined from the T20I squad for such a considerable interval.
Angelo Mathews lambasts at Sri Lanka Cricket
Mathews voiced his frustration at being missed for T20 World Cups (2021 and 2022) regardless of delivering stellar performances with each bat and ball within the final two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons. He recommended that selections might have been influenced by undisclosed agendas and expressed disappointment at his staff’s failure to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025.
“In the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons, I batted and bowled well, but unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn’t given reasons for that. “If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen – we haven’t even qualified for the Champions Trophy,” Matthews mentioned within the post-match presentation ceremony.
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A have a look at Mathews’ distinguished T20I profession
Mathews has been a key determine within the Sri Lanka Cricket Group for an prolonged interval. His impactful presence in 79 T20I matches has seen him amass 1194 runs, punctuated by 5 half-centuries. Past his batting prowess, the Colombo-based has been a worthwhile asset to the nationwide facet, contributing considerably with the ball. His 38 wickets, coupled with a powerful financial system charge of 6.99, underline the juggernaut’s multifaceted function as a seasoned all-rounder for his nation.