Colombo, Aug 2 (UNI) In a start to the ODI series, young Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage emerged as the hero in Colombo on Friday, leading his team to a nerve-wracking finish.
His maiden ODI fifty, alongside a dramatic late partnership, helped Sri Lanka set a daunting target of 231 runs against India.
The day began with Sri Lanka in turmoil. Reduced to a precarious 101 for 5, their innings seemed on the brink of collapse. Enter Wellalage, who turned the game on its head with a poised and determined knock. His unbeaten 67, supported by a crucial partnership with Janith Liyanage, was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 230 for 8.
Wellalage’s innings was a masterclass in pressure management, with his strategic boundaries and calm demeanor providing the backbone of Sri Lanka’s recovery. Liyanage also contributed significantly, including a pivotal six off Shubman Gill, as the duo added vital runs in the final overs to set a challenging target.
On the Indian side, the early breakthroughs from Mohammed Siraj set the tone. Siraj’s dismissal of Avishka Fernando put Sri Lanka on the defensive early on. Axar Patel and Shivam Dube tightened the screws, with Dube claiming his maiden ODI wicket by trapping Kusal Mendis leg-before. Kuldeep Yadav’s entry further exacerbated Sri Lanka’s woes, dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Despite the setbacks, Pathum Nissanka’s resolute 56 provided a glimmer of hope for the Sri Lankan fans before being dismissed by Washington Sundar.
With the Indian bowlers, led by Axar Patel’s 2 for 33, demonstrating disciplined performance, the stage is set for a thrilling chase. Can India successfully chase down the challenging target, or will Sri Lanka’s bowlers rise to the occasion and secure a memorable victory?
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 230/8 in 50 overs (Dunith Wellalage 67*, Pathum Nissanka 56; Axar Patel 2/33) vs India.
