In the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India, Dunith Wellalage was named player of the match. The 21-year-old played a crucial knock of 67* runs off 65 deliveries as the hosts reached 230 runs in the first innings when Sri Lanka was in a hole. At one point, they looked unlikely to reach 200 runs after being reduced to 142/6, but Wellalage took charge of the situation and performed admirably under duress to assist his team score a respectable total.
During the chase, Dunith Wellalage secured two significant wickets against Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Before the cricketer from Colombo defeated him, the captain of India was playing brilliantly, amassing 58 runs. India’s momentum was derailed when the middle order was unable to take advantage, and the match ended evenly.
Following the match, Wellalage disclosed that he took inspiration from Pathum Nissanka, who scored a vital 56 runs. He stated that his objective was to reduce his errors and exert pressure on the visitors, noting that India had good bowlers in the rank. His ability to do so and forge important alliances may have saved the hosts in the opening One-Day International.
We can exert greater pressure on them if we can reduce the number of mistakes we make, as they have a lot of skilled bowlers. Pathum Nissanka bat was something I was watching a lot. As I worked up a strategy, I considered his batting. The pitch, if you take it, was conducive to spin bowling. reported that Wellalage stated, “I tried to put as much pressure on the bowler and build partnerships.”
According to Wellalage, Asalanka advised him to bowl on the powerplay when the ball was spinning. Incorporating the spinners’ advantage, he said that he intended to bowl to the stumps, which is how he got Rohit out of the game.
Also Read: In the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma scores 58, matching Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record
“We were aware that the wicket was rotating. I was informed that I would be bowling during the powerplay by Charith Asalanka. The wicket also provided me with good support. I was attempting to bowl wicket-to-wicket with Rohit at the time since I was aware of the pitch’s help, Wellalage added.
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