SL vs IND 2024: I want to thank my skipper, teammates and coaching staff – Dunith Wellalage after Player of the Series award

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage gave his gratitude to his captain, teammates and coaching staff after a memorable ODI series win against India. Sri Lanka won the series by 2-0 after winning the third ODI comprehensively by 110 runs.

Wellalage, 21, was not even born when Sri Lanka had last won an ODI series against India, 27 years ago. The left-arm orthodox spinner played a key role in team’s win at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday, returning with impressive figures of 5-27 in 5.1 overs he bowled. Thus, he played a key role in skittling out India at 138 after the hosts posted 248 runs on the board.

The left-arm orthodox spinner bagged seven wickets in three matches at an average of 15.29. Furthermore, he scored 108 runs in three matches at an average of 54 and thus he was awarded Player of the Series.

He said in the post-match presentation, “I want to thank my skipper, team mates and coaching staff. Everyone gave me great support and that’s why I am here. We adjusted to the wicket as it was turning. It was same like the first two ODIs and committed less mistakes today. The batters did a good job and then the spinners bowled well. Everyone is supporting each other and I am excited to be part of the team.”

On the other hand, Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando scored a match-winning knock of 96 runs to help the home team post 248 runs on the board. Fernando admitted he was disappointed to miss out on a hundred but at the same time he was happy that he contributed in his team’s victory. The right-hander was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

Fernando said in the post-match presentation, “Very happy with the innings. The batters got together and did a good job. It was a challenging wicket and a bit disappointed not to get a hundred but happy with the win.”

Sri Lanka will next tour England for three Test matches.