IND vs SL: "I Knew Dunith Wellalage Would Do Something Special" - Dasun Shanaka After Loss To India In Asia Cup 2023

Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team faced a 41-run defeat at the hands of Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team in the fourth match of Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday, September 12.

Losing the toss and bowling first, the Sri Lankan bowlers were taken to cleaners by India skipper Rohit Sharma, who alongside Shubman Gill, provided his side with a great start.

However, Dunith Wellalage laid the path for Sri Lanka’s comeback as he decimated the Indian top-order. He bagged two more wickets to complete his five-wicket haul and was assisted by Charith Asalanka (four wickets) and Maheesh Theekshana (one wicket) as India were bowled out for 213.

Chasing the target, the Sri Lankan top-order collapsed. Dunith Wellalage (42) and Dhananjaya de Silva (41) were the only two players who looked good against the Indian bowlers but they weren’t able to guide their side to the victory as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 172 in 41.3 overs.

We didn’t expect this kind of wicket – Dasun Shanaka

Speaking after the match, Dasun Shanaka expressed his surprise over the pitch made for the match between Sri Lanka and India. However, he was satisfied with the way his team adjusted. Dasun Shanaka said:

“We didn’t expect this kind of wicket, I thought it was a batting wicket but we adjusted well, especially Wellalage, DDS and Asalanka. The luxury of two genuine batters, they have been bowling in the nets and I know their real potential, today I had the option of using them today.”

Dasun Shanaka added that he was extremely confident that Dunith Wellalage would deliver a special performance against India. Dasun Shanaka said:

“Seeing the last game against Bangladesh I knew he (Wellalage) would do something special today, he took Kohli’s wicket and I was pretty sure it was his day and will take a couple more wickets.”