“I knew how much assistance there was from the pitch”- Dunith Wellalage opens up on plan to Rohit Sharma during 1st ODI

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage played an instrumental in helping the hosts tie the opening ODI of the series against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday. Wellalage first shined with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 67 off just 65 balls to help his team post a fighting score of 230 runs on the board.

Furthermore, the left-arm orthodox returned with impressive figures of 2-39 in the nine overs he bowled. The 21-year-old youngster bagged the big wickets of Indian openers – Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma.

Gill was dismissed while trying to play a slog sweep but got a top edge, which was taken comfortably by Kusal Mendis. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was taking the game away from Sri Lanka, was dismissed LBW when he tried to play a sweep shot against a ball, which was tad fuller and thus he could not get the connection.

Ergo, the youngster was awarded Player of the Match after 44th tied match in the history of ODIs.

Wellalage told reporters via the ICC, “We knew that the wicket was spinning. So Charith Asalanka had told me that I would be bowling in the Powerplay. I had good support from the wicket too. With Rohit at the time, I was trying just to bowl wicket-to-wicket, because I knew how much assistance there was from the pitch.”

On the other hand, Pathum Nissanka continued his impressive form, scoring 56 runs off 75 balls. Wellalage said he was inspired by Nissanka’s batting.

“They have a lot of experienced bowlers, so the more we can limit our mistakes, the more we can put pressure on them. I was watching Pathum Nissanka bat quite a lot. I put his batting in my mind as I came up with a plan. If you take the pitch, it was one that supported spin bowling. I tried to put as much pressure on the bowler and build partnerships.”

The second ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Manolo Marquez shares disappointment after loss against Thailand

Indian football team head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his disappointment after they suffered a 2-0… Read More

June 5, 2025

Indiana Pacers ready to go through the best team, the best challenge, says Tyrese Haliburton

There is no doubt that the Indiana Pacers would start the NBA finals against the… Read More

June 5, 2025

Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to qualify for 51st Grand Slam semi-final

Novak Djokovic is 38 years-old but he keeps beating the best players in the world.… Read More

June 5, 2025

Sathish and Aadya Shine as Indian Mixed Doubles Campaign Falters at Indonesia Open

At the prestigious Indonesia Open Super 1000 badminton tournament, India’s mixed doubles hopes dimmed early,… Read More

June 5, 2025

Tragedy Strikes RCB Victory Parade in Bengaluru: Stampede Claims Lives Amid Celebrations

What began as a historic celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 4 quickly… Read More

June 5, 2025

India Fall to Thailand in 0-2 Friendly Defeat Ahead of Crucial Asian Cup Qualifier

India suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Thailand in an international football friendly on Wednesday,… Read More

June 5, 2025