Asia Cup 2023, IND vs SL: Spinners Run Riot to Bundle Out India For 213, Wellalage Takes 5

Colombo: In the Super Four clash between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday, September 12, Sri Lanka’s young spin sensation, Dunith Wellalage, and all-rounder Charith Asalanka stole the show. Playing his first game against India in international cricket, Wellalage proved to be a formidable force, particularly against India’s top-order batsmen.

Consequently, India were bundled out for 213.

The left-arm spinner, Dunith Wellalage, emerged as the surprise package of the match, single-handedly dismantling the Indian batting lineup by dismissing their top three batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. His impressive spell began by deceiving Gill with an exquisite delivery, followed by the early dismissal of Kohli for just 3 runs. Wellalage then outfoxed Rohit Sharma, catching him off-guard with a delivery that stayed low, leaving the Indian skipper baffled.

Despite India’s strong start with an 80-run opening partnership between Gill and Rohit, Wellalage’s heroics quickly reduced India to 91/3. His brilliant performance continued as he bowled out Gill for 19 off 25 balls in the very first ball of his initial over. The delivery was a spinner’s dream, pitching straight but drifting sharply to dismantle Gill’s defence and clip the top of off-stump. In the 16th over, he bamboozled Rohit Sharma, leading to India losing three wickets in quick succession.

Wellalage didn’t stop after dismissing India’s top three, as he achieved his maiden ODI five-wicket haul by also claiming the wickets of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. Rahul was dismissed for 39 off 44 balls in the 30th over, while Hardik was sent back cheaply with just 5 runs off 18 balls in the 36th over.

While Dunith Wellalage wreaked havoc at one end, Charith Asalanka made significant contributions by taking four wickets and Theekshana chipped in with a wicket.