Lanka begin era under new T20 captain Mathews

Angelo Mathews promises to provide a breath of fresh air as ushers in a new era for Sri Lanka cricket as captain of the Twenty20 side in the one-off match against New Zealand at Pallekelle on Tuesday.

But little else has changed since Sri Lanka's debacle in the World Twenty20 final in which they imploded against West Indies.

The selectors promised to induct young blood in the Twenty20 format with an eye on the World Cup in two years' time.

But veterans Kumar Sangakkara and Tillekeratne Dilshan are still part of the set up, while Mahela Jayawardene, despite stepping down from the captaincy has only been rested for this match.
 
Sri Lanka also have a new vice-captain in Lasith Malinga for the next several months, but for some have rested him for this game.

Both players featured in the Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa with Jayawardene leading Delhi Daredevils to the semifinals while Malinga starred for Mumbai Indians.

Mathews is convinced the absence of the two stars will not affect their chances of winning the one-off Twenty20 international.

Mathews said in the Daily Mirror: "The selectors wanted to give these two cricketers a rest."

He added: "Their absence from the team is a big loss, but with the squad I have been given I am confident we can win."

The two sides last met during the World Twenty20 Super Eights clash at Pallekelle in which Sri Lanka emerged victorious after the Super Over.

Teams

Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews (captain), Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilshan Munaweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wicketkeeper), Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Akila Dananjaya and Sachithra Senanayake.

New Zealand (from): Ross Taylor (captain), Trent Boult, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Ronnie Hira, Tom Latham, Brendon McCullum (wicketkeeper), Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, B.J. Watling and Kane Williamson.

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