Wanindu Hasaranga mentioned as Dunith Wellalage makes shocking statement on his exclusion from Sri Lanka T20I XI vs India

All-rounder Dunith Wellalage opened up about his exclusion from the T20I team for the recent three-match T20I series against the India National Cricket Team. Dunith Wellalage's statement came after his impressive performance with both bat and ball during the first ODI of the three-match series against India.

The Sri Lanka team suffered a 3-0 loss to India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, in the three-match series last month. The home team experienced collapses from middle-order batters throughout the series. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana played as specialist spinners for Sri Lanka in all three matches.

Right Decision To Leave Me Out Of The T20Is - Dunith Wellalage

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dunith Wellalage backed the decision to exclude him from the T20Is. Wellalage said that Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are the main spinners for Sri Lanka. He also pointed out that India's team had several left-handed batters.

"I think it's the right decision to leave me out of the T20Is since Wanindu and Maheesh are our main spinners, and the India team had several left-hand batters," Dunith Wellalage told reporters.

"I think it's the right decision to leave me out of the T20Is since Wanindu and Maheesh are our main spinners, and the India team had several left-hand batters" Dunith Wellalage pic.twitter.com/OEaHKWM0TH

— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) August 3, 2024

Dunith Wellalage Named Player Of The Match For All-Round Performance

The Sri Lanka captain opted to bat after winning the toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. Mohammed Siraj dismissed opener Avishka Fernando for one run in the third over. Shivam Dube got rid of Kusal Mendis, who scored 14 runs off 31 balls. The hosts collapsed to 101-5 in 26.3 overs.

Pathum Nissanka was dismissed by Washington Sundar after scoring 56 runs off 75 deliveries with nine fours. India was likely to dismiss the opposition for less than 200 runs. However, Dunith Wellalage formed crucial partnerships with the lower-order batters to help Sri Lanka reach a respectable total of 230 runs.

Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage added a crucial 41 runs for the sixth wicket. Liyanage was dismissed for 20 runs off Axar Patel, leaving Sri Lanka at 142-6. Wellalage then added 36 runs with Wanindu Hasaranga for the seventh wicket. Hasaranga scored 24 runs off 35 balls, including one four and two sixes.

Arshdeep Singh dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga in the 43rd over. Dunith Wellalage pushed Sri Lanka past 190 and reached his half-century with a single in the 48th over. Wellalage scored four and then a six off Mohammed Siraj in the final over. The runs in the final overs gave Sri Lanka a competitive total to defend.

Dunith Wellalage also played a key role with the ball. The left-arm spinner took two important wickets in the form of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Wellalage gave away only 39 runs in his nine overs during the match. The Indian cricket team was bundled out for 230 runs despite their strong start in the powerplay.

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