Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage, second right, is congratulated by teammates for taking the wicket of India's Shubman Gill during the Asia Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. (AP/PTI) The Indian batting lineup was put to sword by Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage as he finished with figures of 5/40 when the two sides met in the Asia Cup Super 4 encounter on Tuesday.
The Indian batters, looking knackered playing 3 days on a trot, stood no chance against the rampaging 20-year-old who sent back Shubman Gill (19), Rohit Sharma (53), Virat Kohli (3), KL Rahul (39) and Hardik Pandya (5).
The left arm orthodox spinner made his ODI debut against Australia at the Pallakelle on 2022 and has taken 18 wickets in 12 matches with this fifer against India his best figures in the 50-over format.
On the other end, Charith Asalanka gave him a run for his money as he snapped up 4 wickets of his own as India were totteriong with 9 wickets down when rain interrupted the match.
Sri Lanka have already defeated Bangladesh in their first Super 4 match with Wellalage taking a wicket in that match as well.
Earlier in the match, India skipper Rohit won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka. India made one change with spin all-rounder Axar Patel coming in for pacer Shardul Thakur while Sri Lanka remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer missed India’s second consecutive game in the Asia Cup after being advised rest in this match as well due to a back spasm.
Iyer, who has returned to top flight cricket after six months following a back surgery, had also missed the contest against Pakistan.
Missing back to games has raised fresh questions over his fitness ahead of the World Cup in India next month.
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