The opening ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India saw an all-around performance by all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. On Friday, August 2, the match took place at the Rohit Sharma Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Wellalage took major wickets in Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill throughout his nine overs of bowling, giving up just 39 runs. In the year, Gill attempted to play a sweep and hit one straight up after Kusal Mendis made an easy catch.
After the game, Dunith Wellalage spoke with the media about Rohit Sharma’s dismissal and his involvement in the powerplay. “We knew that the wicket was spinning,” he stated. I was informed by Charith Asalanka that I would be bowling during the power play. I was aiming to bowl wicket to wicket with Rohit Sharma at the moment. Because I knew how much assistance the pitch could provide, and I got good support from the wicked.
In the end, the two wickets proved to be crucial since, despite their strong start. India was bowled out for 230, leaving the match at a draw. Following the match, Dunith Wellalage discussed his bowling strategies in an open forum. The young player claimed that the captain had asked him to bowl during the powerplay, and he effectively supported the idea by getting rid of both of India’s openers to assist his team retake the lead.
We had to bring in the bowlers at that point, and Charith and Wanindu both removed Axar and KL Rahul. At that point, it was critical to maintain composure, and the game went in our favor,” Wellalage remarked.
