Former Sri Lankan fast bowling sensation, Lasith Malinga, showered praise on Dunith Wellalage following the 20-year-old spinner’s remarkable five-wicket haul against India in the fourth Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023. Malinga expressed his belief that Dunith Wellalage has the potential to become a standout player for Sri Lanka in the coming years.
Dunith Wellalage’s impact was felt in both innings of the match. In the first innings, the young spinner claimed a five-wicket haul, dismissing key Indian batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.
In the second innings, Wellalage demonstrated his prowess with the bat, contributing significantly by scoring 42 runs from 46 balls at a strike rate of 91.30. Despite his valiant effort, Sri Lanka fell short as India emerged victorious by 41 runs.
Taking to his official social media platform, Lasith Malinga praised Dunith Wellalage’s performance, suggesting that Sri Lanka effectively played with 12 players due to the 20-year-old’s contributions in the match.
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Malinga applauded the young player, emphasizing that Wellalage possesses a remarkable cricketing acumen in addition to his versatile skill set. He expressed his belief that Dunith Wellalage is on his way to becoming the most pivotal player for Sri Lanka in ODIs over the next decade.
It’s fair to say that SL played with 12 players today. That’s how good Dunith was👏
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 12, 2023
He’s got a brilliant head on his young shoulders to go with his all-round skill set.
I believe he’s on his way to becoming the most important player for SL in ODIs for the next decade❤️#INDvSL
Malinga’s tweet read, “It’s fair to say that SL played with 12 players today. That’s how good Dunith was. He’s got a brilliant head on his young shoulders to go with his all-round skill set. I believe he’s on his way to becoming the most important player for SL in ODIs for the next decade.”
In response to his standout performance, Dunith Wellalage took to his social media platform and expressed his pride in his on-field performance. He acknowledged his learning experiences from Babar Azam and his dedication, which continues to inspire him.
Though the result didn't go our way, I'm proud of my performance on the field. Learning from the best, @babarazam258, whose journey and dedication continue to motivate me. We'll keep pushing forward and striving for victory.#INDvsSL #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/w045sOXMtp
— Dunith Wellalage (@dunithwellalage) September 12, 2023
Wellalage stated that, despite the unfavorable result, he remains proud of his performance. He emphasized the invaluable lessons he has garnered from Babar Azam and expressed his commitment to continue striving for victory in future matches.
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He tweeted, “Though the result didn’t go our way, I’m proud of my performance on the field. Learning from the best, @babarazam258, whose journey and dedication continue to motivate me. We’ll keep pushing forward and striving for victory.”