PAK vs SL: Dunith Wellalage Opens Up On His Fifer Vs India In Asia Cup 2023, Says 'Virat Kohli's Wicket Was Special'

Young Sri Lankan spinner, Dunith Wellalage opened up on his maiden ODI five-wicket haul against India in the fourth Super Fours match of Asia Cup 2023 on Tuesday (September 12th) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and said that dismissing Virat Kohli was very special to him.

India won the toss and opted to bat first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had a good start to the first inning and made a strong partnership of 80 runs. The 36-year-old India skipper made 53 runs from 48 balls. Whereas, Shubman Gill played a 19-run knock.

Apart from Rohit Sharma, no other Indian batsmen scored a half-century in the match, even Virat Kohli got dismissed at three runs after playing 12 balls. In the first inning, the Men in Blue could only give a target of 214 runs.

However, one of the most eye-catching moments in the game was Dunith Wellalage, the 20-year-old Sri Lankan bowler’s five-wicket haul in the match. Wellalage got some crucial wickets in his bag and dismissed Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.

In the second inning, the Sri Lanka batting lineup tried hard to come back in the match and chase the target but they fell short in front of the Indian bowling attack as the Men in Blue won the match by 41 runs. Even though the home side lost the match but still Dunith Wellalage was still named the Player of the Match.

I am happy with the performance and it was not possible without their support: Dunith Wellalage

The 20-year-old praised his teammates and the bowling coach for playing a big role in his five-wicket haul. Dunith Wellalage also stated he did not try to bring variations and bowled his normal ones.

“Yeah, specially I want to thank by teammates and bowling coach, special thanks to the bowling coach. All of them have been part of this. I am happy with the performance and it was not possible without their support. Virat Kohli’s wicket is a very special one (smiles). I tried to bowl my normal ones and didn’t look to do much variations,” he said.

In the sixth Super Fours match, India will lock horns against Bangladesh on Friday (September 15th) R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.