Dunith Wellalage’s record feat against India | SL vs IND 2024, 3rd ODI

In a thrilling conclusion to the ODI series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance to defeat India by 110 runs in the third and final ODI. The standout hero of the match was Dunith Wellalage, whose sensational five-wicket haul not only led his team to victory but also secured Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997.

Sri Lanka’s Commanding Performance

Setting a Challenging Target

Sri Lanka, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted a formidable total of 248 for 7 in their 50 overs. Avishka Fernando was the highlight with the bat, delivering a solid innings of 96 runs. Fernando’s effort was instrumental in setting a challenging target for the Indian side. His partnership with the middle order ensured that Sri Lanka could put up a competitive total despite some early hiccups in the innings.

Dunith Wellalage’s Bowling Brilliance

While the batting performance was commendable, it was Dunith Wellalage’s bowling that truly stole the show. Wellalage dismantled the Indian batting lineup with a remarkable spell, finishing with figures of 5 for 27 in just 5.1 overs. His exceptional performance was pivotal in ensuring that Sri Lanka could not only defend their total but also secure a comprehensive victory.

India’s Chase and Collapse

A Promising Start

India’s chase began with some hope as Rohit Sharma played a brisk innings of 35 off 20 balls. Sharma’s aggressive start gave the Indian fans a glimmer of hope, and it seemed like the chase could be managed if the top order continued in this fashion. However, the optimism was short-lived as the innings took a dramatic turn.

Wellalage’s Spell Disrupts Indian Batting

Wellalage’s spell was the turning point of the match. His incisive bowling dismantled the Indian batting lineup, which crumbled to just 138 runs in 26.1 overs. The collapse was swift and dramatic, with Wellalage’s precision and control proving too much for the Indian batsmen. His ability to exploit the conditions and execute his plans perfectly led to a stunning collapse.

Wellalage’s Historic Achievement

Record-Breaking Performance

Dunith Wellalage’s five-wicket haul against India was a historic achievement. Not only did it secure him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, but it also made him the first player to achieve a five-wicket haul against India in ODIs on two separate occasions. This performance showcased Wellalage’s growing stature as a key player for Sri Lanka and highlighted his potential as one of the future stars of Sri Lankan cricket.

Post-Match Reactions

After the match, Wellalage expressed his gratitude and excitement. He thanked his captain Charith Asalanka, his teammates, and the coaching staff for their support, which he credited for his outstanding performance. “We adjusted to the wicket as it was turning. It was the same as the first two ODIs and committed fewer mistakes today. The batters did a good job, and then the spinners bowled well. Everyone is supporting each other, and I am excited to be part of the team,” Wellalage said.

Impact on Sri Lankan Cricket

A Milestone Achievement

Wellalage’s performance in this series has significant implications for Sri Lankan cricket. The historic series win over India marks a milestone achievement and is a testament to the team’s progress and potential. This victory is a crucial step forward for Sri Lanka, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level and secure victories against formidable opponents.

The Future of Sri Lankan Cricket

Wellalage’s outstanding performance is also a signal of the promising future of Sri Lankan cricket. The younger generation of cricketers, exemplified by Wellalage, is making a mark and setting the stage for future successes. This win provides a boost to the confidence of Sri Lankan cricketers and sets a positive tone for upcoming international series and tournaments.

 A Historic Series Win

The third ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium will be remembered as a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket. Dunith Wellalage’s five-wicket haul was the highlight of the match, securing a historic series win over India and marking Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series victory against India since 1997. As Sri Lanka celebrates this significant achievement, Wellalage’s performance stands out as a key moment in the series, reflecting the potential and promise of the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. The win not only brings pride to the team but also sets a high benchmark for future performances.