Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews has set his sights on the T20 World Cup next year, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, after calling time on his Test career.
Mathews’ farewell Test match came to an end on Saturday at the Galle International Stadium—the same venue where he made his debut in the longest format in 2009—with host Sri Lanka settling for a draw with Bangladesh.
“I’ve still got six more months to go. I’ll give it my best shot for the (2026) T20 World Cup.cI would love to sign off with a World Cup win. I’ll just see how my body goes,” Mathews said in the post-match press conference.
“Ever since I announced my retirement, I just can’t imagine the love that I have received up to now. It is so special because you feel as a player, once you give your 110% to the country, the amount of appreciation that you receive is unbelievable. It feels so special, very heartwarming and I’m so thankful to all of them,” he added.
Mathews ended his Test career as the third-highest run-getter in the format for Sri Lanka, with 8,214 runs in 119 matches at a healthy average of 44.40. He also picked 33 Test wickets with his medium pace.
Mathews was a part of the side which won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2014, beating India in the final, and is eyeing an encore.