Who is Dunith Wellalage? - All you need to know about Sri Lanka’s spin sensation

Sri Lanka spin sensation Dunith Wellalage grabbed the headlines after he dislodged the Indian top order during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage clash at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. Impressively, the 20-year-old got the prized scalps of India skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in just his first three overs followed by KL Rahul and Hardik Panya later in the innings to complete a sensational five-wicket haul. As a result of his terrific bowling, the willy left-armer finished with an impressive bowling figure of 5/40 in his 10 overs quota. Notably, he also bowled a maiden over in the process.

Check: Most Wickets in Asia Cup 2023

The Colombo-born left-arm spinner made his debut in 2022, during the first ODI against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, in Kandy. On debut, the spin sensation claimed two wickets for 49 runs in his seven overs. 

Wellalage earned a call-up from the national team after a solid campaign in the U-19 World Cup 2022. The spinner emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ICC event as he got 17 scalps in his account which included two five-wicket hauls in six matches.

While he dazzled with the ball on numerous occasions, Wellalage grabbed the selectors' eyeballs after he slammed a magnificent century (113 off 130 balls) in the U-19 World Cup 2022 against South Africa in the fifth place play-off semi-final.

The same year, Wellalage was included in the Test squad against Australia and has featured in a solitary Test thus far. The young cricketer played a vital role in reviving the three-match ODI series for his side against Afghanistan in November 2022.

After Afghanistan clinched the first ODI and the second contest yielding a no result, Sri Lanka got back on level terms courtesy of a belligerent knock by Wellalage during the chase. Notably, Afghanistan posted a competitive 313 runs following which the Lankan Lions lost wickets after important knocks by the top order.

However, Wellalage’s unbeaten 21-ball 31 coupled with Charith Asalanka’s 83 off 72 helped the Islanders to win the contest. Furthermore, the 20-year-old emerged as the joint-fifth highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. Donning the Jaffna Kings outfit, Wellalage racked up 10 wickets in nine matches which featured a four-for.