Sean Williams Ends T20I Retirement as Zimbabwe Take On Sri Lanka
ZIMBABWE cricket fans will see a familiar face back in action today as Sean Williams makes his return to T20 international cricket.
The veteran all-rounder, who had announced his retirement from the format last year, will play for the Chevrons tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club.
Williams had stepped away from the shortest format during Zimbabwe’s tour of Bangladesh, where his final game was an eight-wicket victory in the fifth T20I. Now, at 37, he brings his wealth of experience back into a side looking to blend youth with seasoned campaigners.
He has played 81 T20Is, scoring 1,691 runs at an average of 23.48, with 11 half-centuries and a top score of 66. With the ball, he has taken 38 wickets, his best figures three for 15 since his debut in 2006 against Bangladesh.
Captain Sikandar Raza welcomed Williams’ comeback, calling it a timely boost for Zimbabwe’s World Cup preparations. Former skipper Brendan Taylor also returns to the squad, adding more experience to the dressing room.
“It’s nice to have Willow back,” Raza said.
“We spoke about this a few months ago. I told him it’s a chance to push for the World Cup. He needed to think about his family, his workload, and his fitness. After talking to those close to him, he decided to come back, and we are blessed to have him.”
The squad has also recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani and fast bowler Brad Evans.
Zimbabwe head into the series encouraged by their strong performances in the recent ODIs, where they pushed Sri Lanka close in both games.
Raza believes that spirit will carry into the T20s.
“The way we batted, bowled, and fielded in the ODIs gives us confidence,” he said. “Now it’s about focusing on our process and making this T20 series just as exciting.”
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said his team expects a competitive contest.
“Zimbabwe are preparing for qualifiers, and they will be very competitive,” Asalanka said. “They have young players coming in, and with their seniors back, it will be a good challenge for us. We just want to focus on the basics.”
