Dunith Wellalage: First-ever spinner with multiple ODI fifers against India
Spinner Dunith Wellalage starred in Sri Lanka's series-clinching ODI victory against India in Colombo. The Lankan spinner took a five-wicket haul as India were bowled out for 138 while chasing 248. He was ajdudged the Player of the Series, with the hosts winning 2-0. Wellalage became the first-ever spinner to record multiple five-wicket hauls against India in ODI cricket. Here are the key stats.
India succumb to Wellalage's brilliance
Wellalage gave Sri Lanka impetus after dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who looked dangerous. Maheesh Theekshana soon sent back Rishabh Pant, while Wellalage stopped Virat Kohli from going big. Wellalage then dismissed Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer in back-to-back overs. Kuldeep Yadav was his final wicket of the day. The Lankan spinner conceded 27 runs in 5.1 overs.
Two fifers against India
As mentioned, Wellalage has become the first spinner to take multiple five-wicket hauls against India in ODI cricket. The Lankan spinner became the talk of the town for his heroics against India in the 2023 Asia Cup. He took five wickets for 40 runs in 10 overs before scoring 42*(46). Notably, both these fifers of Wellalage came in Colombo.
Wellalage owns this special double
Wellalage became the fourth SL with the double of a fifer and 40-plus runs in an ODI. Sanath Jayasuriya (5/58 and 44 vs WI, 1997), Dasun Shanaka (5/43 and 42 vs IRE, 2016), and Thilan Thushara (5/47 and 40 vs IND, 2008) are the others.
Player of the Series
As mentioned, Wellalage has been adjudged the Player of the Series. His exploits with the bat were also on display throughout. The youngster smoked a timely fifty (67* off 65 balls) in the series opener, guiding SL to 230/8 while batting first. He also took two wickets later on. Wellalage scored a pivotal 39 in the 2nd ODI as SL prevailed again.
