Dunith Wellalage after taking Virat Kohli's wicket (AP Photos)
Sri Lanka's young sensation Dunith Wellalage stole the show last night against India. In post match presentation, his captain spoke highly of him.
During the match which ensured India's berth in Asia Cup final, saw an young all-rounder dominate the match. Such was his performance that despite ending up on losing side, he was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. His 5 wicket haul on a dry Colombo pitch came with a top class spin bowling.
Shanaka speaking to the broadcasters post show, shared he predicted Dunith would produce some magic on the field. He had the gut feeling about the new entrant in the team doing well. He was quoted:
"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."
The slow left arm orthodox bowling by Dunith exposed India's batting against spin once again. There was bounce and turn on the pitch. But he didn't get over excited, he pitched the ball on right line and length. He let the pitch do the rest for him to purchase off the surface. The pitch was holding a bit which forced Indian batters to be in two minds, whether to play the shot or not.
His bowling carnage over India's top order batting was exemplary. He carried the forward the confidence into his batting. His 42 runs off 46 could have been match winning but Indian bowlers struck at the last moment to fetch the match in their favour.
Everyone praised highly of his all round performance. His impressive outing wasn't enough to extend Sri Lanka's unbeaten winning streak. Now, they will play Pakistan in the virtual semi-final for a place in the Asia Cup Final.
 "Amit Das")
