Dunith Wellalage shines against India
India registered a 41-run win over Sri Lanka in the 4th match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 on Tuesday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first.
After winning the toss, India got off to a flying start and made 80 runs for the first wicket until Shubman Gill was dismissed for 19 runs. After that, Sri Lankan bowlers put pressure back on Indian batters, and they took wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Rohit Sharama was the top scorer with 53 runs. However, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul made a 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. KL Rahul scored 39 runs, while Ishan Kishan scored 33 runs. At the back end of the inning, Axar Patel contributed 26 valuable runs. Eventually, India was bowled out for 213 runs in 49.1 overs. For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the star with the ball and claimed 5 wickets for 40 runs, becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to take 5 wickets for Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka took four wickets.
In reply to that, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 172 runs in 41.3 overs. Indian bowlers put pressure on Sri Lankan batsmen from the word go. Sri Lanka lost its top order cheaply. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka made 43 runs for the 4th wicket. Charith Asalanka scored 22 runs. Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 99 runs, and after that, Dhananjya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage made a run partnership for the 7th wicket. Dhananjaya de Silva scored runs, and Dunith Wellalage scored an unbeaten 42 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets. With that win, India qualified for the Asia Cup final.
