Angelo Mathews sets a unique record in the second test against New Zealand

Sri Lankan cricket legend Angelo Mathews has added yet another accolade to his remarkable career by becoming the third Sri Lankan cricketer to play 200 international matches at home. The milestone was achieved during the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium.

Mathews, a former Sri Lankan captain, joins an exclusive group of players who have crossed the 200-match mark in their home country. Only two other Sri Lankan greats, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, have managed this feat. Jayawardene leads the list with 249 matches, while Sangakkara closely follows with 235. Mathews’ inclusion in this group cements his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s finest all-rounders.

A Legacy Built Over 15 Years

Since making his international debut in 2008, Mathews has been a pivotal figure in Sri Lankan cricket. With over 7000 runs and nearly 200 wickets across formats before the start of the second Test, his contributions to the national team have been immense. Known for his resilience, leadership, and ability to perform in crucial moments, Mathews has played a key role in many of Sri Lanka’s victories, particularly in Test and ODI cricket.

Despite a few setbacks, including injuries and being left out of the T20I side for some time, Mathews’ determination has been unwavering. His return to the T20I format earlier this year showed his commitment to the team and his desire to continue contributing at the highest level. Commenting on his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squads, Mathews previously voiced his disappointment, hinting at decisions made by the management based on agendas rather than performance.

“In the last two Lanka Premier League 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,” Mathews said in a candid interview. “If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen. But one thing I believe is that if you train and play wholeheartedly, you can create an environment for yourself where you can perform.”

Global Recognition

Mathews’ achievement places him among some of the greatest names in world cricket. Only 17 cricketers have played over 200 international matches at home, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Allan Border. The list of players who have accomplished this feat also includes the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and James Anderson, demonstrating the rarity and significance of such a milestone.

The full list of players who have played 200 or more home matches is as follows:

Name	Career Span	Matches at Home (Test+ODI+T20I)
Allan Border	1978-1994	263
Sachin Tendulkar	1990-2013	258
Mahela Jayawardene	1997-2014	249
Ricky Ponting	1995-2012	249
Steve Waugh	1985-2004	242
Kumar Sangakkara	2000-2015	235
Jacques Kallis	1995-2013	234
Mushfiqur Rahim	2006-Present	229
Mark Boucher	1998-2012	219
Virat Kohli	2009-Present	219
Shakib Al Hasan	2006-Present	217
Ross Taylor	2006-2022	210
Chris Gayle	2000-2021	204
James Anderson	2003-Present	203
MS Dhoni	2005-2019	202
Tim Southee	2008-Present	201
Angelo Mathews	2009-Present	200

A Symbol of Consistency

One of the hallmarks of Mathews’ career has been his ability to adapt and evolve over time. Whether playing on the slow, turning tracks of the subcontinent or on the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia and South Africa, Mathews has always found ways to contribute. In Sri Lanka’s home conditions, Mathews’ ability to anchor the innings, guide younger players, and chip in with his medium pace bowling has made him an invaluable asset.

Despite being overlooked for major T20 tournaments in recent years, Mathews has never let the disappointment affect his performances in the longer formats of the game. His determination to return to the T20I side finally paid off earlier this year, and his performances in the Lanka Premier League showed that the veteran still had plenty to offer.

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Looking Ahead

At 37 years old, Mathews has hinted that he is still hungry for success and is not ready to hang up his boots just yet. “I think I can play for a little while longer,” he said, alluding to his hopes of continuing to contribute to Sri Lankan cricket.

With a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy still up for grabs, Mathews’ leadership, experience, and all-round capabilities could be crucial for Sri Lanka’s future campaigns. As he continues to break records and achieve new milestones, Mathews remains a symbol of consistency and excellence in Sri Lankan cricket.

Angelo Mathews’ achievement of playing 200 international matches at home is a testament to his enduring class, skill, and dedication. As Sri Lanka continues to rebuild its cricketing fortunes, having stalwarts like Mathews will be vital in ensuring that the team remains competitive on the global stage.

His career, which spans over 15 years, has been marked by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the game. Whether through his crucial knocks, match-winning performances, or guiding the younger generation, Angelo Mathews has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket—a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

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