'I Sensed That Dunith Wellalage Could Do Something Special': Dasun Shanaka On Spinner's Five-wicket Haul vs IND

Defending champions Sri Lanka came close to beat India in the Asia Cup Super Four match but suffered a 41-run loss in the thrilling encounter in Colombo on Tuesday. After the match, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka heaped praise on young spinner Dunith Wellalage for his all-rounder abilities.

The 20-year-old picked an impressive five-wicket haul and also contributed with the bat against India's formidable bowling attack. His unbeaten 42 off 46 runs came after Sri Lanka lost their six wickets inside 100 runs chasing 214 at R Premadasa Stadium.

Wellalage's effort earned him a ‘Player of the Match’ accolade. The left-arm orthodox spinner was exceptional in the previous match as well where he bowled an economical spell against Bangladesh. Against India, Wellalage came to his own. He dismantled India's top and middle order, claiming the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.

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Speaking after the match, Shanaka said, "After the last game against Bangladesh, I sensed that Wellalage could do something special. He did that today and also got wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma."

"We didn't expect this kind of wicket, I thought it was a batting wicket but we adjusted well, especially Wellalage, DDS and Asalanka. The luxury of two genuine batters, they have been bowling in the nets and I know their real potential. Today I had the option of using them," he added.

The match was marked by spin dominance on both sides, with Wellalage and Charith Asalanka accounting for nine Indian wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav (four) and Ravindra Jadeja (two) contributed six wickets for India.

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The Colombo pitch, which began to spin significantly early in the first innings, posed a challenge for both teams. Wellalage's instrumental role in exploiting the conditions underscored his potential as a match-winner.

Despite the loss, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a spot in the final of the Asia Cup 2023, setting up a virtual semi-final against Pakistan in the upcoming fixture on Thursday.