Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage managed to frustrate Team India with his batting yet again as he scored a vital cameo in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. He had to walk back after Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube took a sharp running catch at short third man.
Wellalage came into bat at No. 7 after Janith Liyanage's dismissal in the 34th over of the innings. Much like in the series opener, he batted with maturity to forge a partnership with Kamindu Mendis for the seventh wicket to take Sri Lanka over the 200-run mark.
The southpaw ramped up his scoring after settling down, scoring three boundaries in the space of six balls against Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj. In the 47th over, he tried to take on Kuldeep Yadav, who was bowling his final over. He attempted a reverse sweep, and just about managed to connect it.
Dube proceeded to run to his left, and used his tall frame to stretch and claim the ball. Have a look at the sharp take right here.
Watch the dismissal below:
Sri Lanka were reduced to 208-7 after Wellalage's dismissal. The youngster finished with 39 runs off just 35 deliveries with one four and two sixes to his name.
Dunith Wellalage had scored an unbeaten 67 in the series opener
Wellalage has always been a handy batter, but he showed a whole new level to his ability after scoring a brilliant 67* off 65 in the first ODI. His innings rescued Sri Lanka out of trouble, propelling them to 230, which almost proved to be a match-winning total in the end.
Wellalage's knock has made a similar impact this time around as his positive innings took his side across the 200-run mark from when they were reduced to 136-6 at one stage. Mendis' knock coupled with the youngster's heroics has propelled Sri Lanka's total to 240-9 at the end of the first innings.
The series is currently level at 0-0 after the first match ended in a tie.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news