The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, will be rememb??ered for one moment of brillian??ce that turned the game on its head.

Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s explosive all-rounder, fell victim to a sensational delivery by Sri Lanka’s young spinner, Dunith Wellalage, as the visitors crumbled to a humiliating 174-run defeat. The match not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominance but also showcased the emergence of a new spin sensation in Wellalage.

Dunith Wellalage’s peach of a delivery to shatter Glenn Maxwell’s stumps

The dismissal of Maxwell was the defining moment of the match. On the fifth ball of the 17th over, Wellalage bowled a full delivery that seemed innocuous at first glance. Maxwell, known for his aggressive batting, stepped forward to defend, but the ball had other plans. It spun sharply away from the right-hander, beating his outside edge and crashing into the off-stump. Maxwel?l could only stare in disbelief as he walked back to the pavilion for just one run?? off three balls.

This wicket left Australia reeling at 83-6, effectively ending any hopes of a successful chase. Maxwell’s dismissal was a testament to Wellalage’s skill and control, as the young spinner outfoxed one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.

Here’s the video:

WHAT A BALL!

Wellalage picks up his second and Maxwell is on his way #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/p0XgIAjz1J

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 14, 2025

Also READ: SL vs AUS??: Sri Lanka crush Aus??tralia in 2nd ODI to clinch series

Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka: The architects of Sri Lanka’s victory

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s batting laid the foundation for their comprehensive victory. After losing Pathum Nissanka early, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka st?itche?d together a 98-run partnership for the second wicket. Madushka scored a composed 51 off 74 balls before falling to the Australian attack.

Mendis, however, continued his sublime form, reaching a well-deserved century. His 101 off 115 balls, including 11 boundaries, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Skipper Charith Asalanka provided the perfect foil, remain??ing unbeaten on 78 off 66 balls. Their 94-run partnership ??for the fourth wicket ensured Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 281-4 in their 50 overs.

Australia’s batting collapse: A story of woe

Chasing a target of 282, Australia’s innings never gained momentum. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Matthew Short (2), Travis Head (18), and Jake Fraser-McGurk (9) falling early. Skipper Steve Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis tried to steady the ship with a 46-run partnership, but their efforts were in vain. I??nglis was dismissed for 22, while Smith fel??l for 29.

The middle and lower order offered little resistance. Aaron Hardie (0) and Maxwell (1) were dismissed in quick succession, and ??????????????????????????the tailenders followed suit. Australia were bowled out for a paltr?y 107 in just 24.2 overs, marking one of their most disappointing performances in recent years.

Sri Lanka’s spin trio: A nightmare for Australia

Wellalage was the star of the show, finishing with figures of 4-18 in his six overs. His ability to extract turn and bounce on a pitch that favoured the spinners was commendable. He was well-supported by Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up three wickets each. The trio combined to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup, showcasing Sri Lanka’s depth in spin bowling.

Sri Lanka’s dominant performance in the second ODI sealed a 2-0 series victory, marking a significant achievement for the team. The emergence of Wellalage as a match-winner and the consistent performances of Mendis and Asalanka bode well for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

For Australia, the series was a wake-up call. Their inability to handle spin and the lack of partnerships in the middle order exposed glaring weaknesses that need to be addressed before their next assignment which is ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka? loses his wicket to a rash sho?t against Aaron Hardie

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced their 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which includes three T20 matches starting on December 28. The squad will be led by Charith Asalanka, who takes the helm as captain, aiming to build on the team’s recent performances.

Squad Overview

The selected squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting Sri Lanka’s strategy to strengthen their T20 format. Notably absent from the lineup is Dunith Wellalage, a promising all-rounder who has been dropped from the team considering the seam-bowler friendly pitches in New Zealand. His absence opens the door for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s success.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made his debut in the home seri?es against West Indies, retains his p;ace by being the lone fast-bowling all-rounder in the sq??uad.

Upcoming Matches

Sri Lanka’s T20I series against New Zealand consists of three matches scheduled for:

• 1st T20I: December 28, 2024 (Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui)
• 2nd T20I: December 30, 2024 (Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui)
• 3rd T20I: January 2, 2025 (Saxton Oval, Nelson)

Following th??e T20I series, Sri Lanka will also play three ODIs against New Zealand on January 5, 8, and 11.

A??lso READ: New Zeal?and names their new limited-overs captain

Context of the tour

This tour comes on the heels of a disappointing Test series against South Africa, where Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 whitewash. The Islanders will be looking to regain form and confidence in the shorter format as they prepare for a compet??itive series against the Black Caps, who are known ??for their challenging conditions and strong home performances.

Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for New Zealand tour

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vanders?ay, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana

Also READ: Keshav Maharaj’s stunning fifer secures clean sweep for South Africa in final Test against Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka opened the T20I series with an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, propelled by Dunith Wellalage’s inspired spin bowling and a composed finish from Charith Asalanka. In a game where bowlers held the upper hand, Wellalage’s precise line and clever variations caused headaches for New Zealand’s top order, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s victory.

Dunith Wellalage’s spin magic to castle Dunith Wellalage

New Zealand’s innings began on a rocky note, especially after Tim Robinson’s early dismissal in the second over. Wellalage, with only his second delivery of the game, claimed Robinson’s wicket with a beautifully disguised slider. Aiming to play off the back foot, Robinson misread the pace and trajectory of the ball, which skidded in sharply to clatter into his leg-stump, sending the zing bails flying. Robinson’s brief knock of 3 off 6 balls highlighted the challenge facing New Zealand’s batters against Wellalage’s spin magic.

Here’s the video:

Beaten and how 🔥#TimRobinson is completely undone by the trickery of #DunithWellalage 🪄 #SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/180N2ZFjq8

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2024

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 2nd T20I – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Wellalage continued to press the advantage, taking crucial wickets and finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 20. His efforts, complemented by dis??ciplined performances from Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 20), Nuwan Thushara (2 for 14) and Matheesha Pathirana (2 for 29), helped restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 135 in 19.3 overs. Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes offered some resistance, each contributing 27, but New Zealand’s batting lacked the firepower needed to post a more competitive score.

Sri Lanka takes 1-0 lead in the two-match series

Chasing 136, Sri Lanka encountered early setbacks as Foulkes fought back with the ball, claiming 3 for 20. However, a steady and determined innings from Asalanka, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 35, ensured Sri Lanka reached the target with one over to spare. Despite some nervy moments, the hosts held their nerve, ending on 140/6 in 19 overs.

This victory puts Sri Lanka 1-0 ahead in the series, with Wellalage’s performance signalling his potential as a game-changer. The second T20I will offer New Zealand an opportunity to regroup, but they’ll need to find an answer to Sri Lanka’s formidable spin attack if they hope to level the series.

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024 – Charith Asalanka, bowlers steer Sri Lanka to victory in the 1st T20I

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Dunith Wellalage is emerging as a standout talent in Sri Lankan cricket. The 21-year-old bowling all-rounder has garnered significant attention on social media following his debut for the national team. Despite his limited ex?perience in international cricket, with just one T20I and a handful of ODI appearances, Wellalage has showcased his pot??ential to become a future star.

A highly sought-after prospect in IPL 2025 auction

Having already taken the wickets of renowned players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Steve Smith, Wellalage has demonstrated his capabilities and impressed fans and analysts alike. As a young left-arm spinner, he is likely to be a sought-after player in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Teams looking for a specialist spinner and a dependable lower-order batter will ??undoubtedly target him. Here’s a look at some franchises that may seek to acquire Wellalage in the IPL 2025 auction.

3 teams who can go for Dunith Wellalage in the IPL 2025 players’ auction

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings currently have spinners such as Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar in their squad. However, both players have yet to establish themselves as game-changers, often showing inconsistency in their performances. To strengthen their bowling attack, PBKS could benefit from adding Wellalage, who has the potential to be a significant asset. His ability to bowl effe?ctively against top-order batsmen will provide the team with a ??reliable option in crucial matches.

In addition to his bowling p??rowess, Wellalage can contribute valuable runs lower down the order, making him a w?ell-rounded addition to the squad. His capacity to score quickly could be particularly beneficial in tight match situations, allowing the Punjab Kings to set competitive totals or chase down targets more effectively. By securing Wellalage, PBKS could enhance their squad depth and overall balance, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title.

Also WATCH: Debutant Dunith Wellalage outfoxes We?st Indies�batters with his masterful bowling | SL vs WI, ??2nd T20I

Lucknow Super Giants

The Lucknow Super Giants primarily rely on Ravi Bishnoi as their only specialist spinner. While Krunal Pandya and Krishnappa Gowtham provide spin options, neither are dedicated spinners, limiting the?? team’s effectiveness in crucial phases of the game. Adding Wellalage to their ranks could significantly bolster their spin attack, especially?? given the spin-friendly conditions at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Wellalage’s addition would not only enhance their bowling lineup but also provide crucial batting depth. His ability to score quickly in the lower order can?? be a game-changer, particularly in pr??essure situations where quick runs are needed. This dual capability would allow the Super Giants more flexibility in their batting strategy, making Wellalage an invaluable asset for the team.

Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals boast an impressive spin duo in Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, but both are nearing the twilight of their careers. To ensure a smooth transition and maintain a strong bowling unit, the Royals need to invest in young talent, and Wellalage fits the bill perfectly. His left-arm spin adds diversity to their bowling attack, providing a fresh dynamic that could complement the experience of ??Ashwin and C?hahal.

In addition to his bowling skills, Wellalage’s? potential wi??th the bat could fill a crucial gap in the team. As an all-rounder, he has the ability to deliver important runs in high-pressure situations, making him an ideal candidate for the Royals. His youth and energy would inject new life into the squad, ensuring that the franchise remains competitive in the upcoming seasons while continuing to build a legacy in the IPL.

Also READ: IPL 2025: 6 players Punjab Kings (PBKS) can retain ahead of meg??a?? auction

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Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance to level the T20I series against West Indies, securing a commanding 73-run victory in the second match at Dambulla on Tuesday (October 15). The win was powered by the brilliance of debutant Dunith Wellalage, who spun a web aroun?d the West Indian batters. His standout performance, coupled with?? contributions from other Sri Lankan spinners, proved decisive.

While Wellalage led the way, Sri Lanka’s seasoned spinners, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka, played vital supporting roles in di??smantling the West Indian lineup. Theekshana and Hasaranga, both known for their accuracy and variations, claimed two wickets each, keeping the pressure on the opposition throughout the innings.

Dunith Wellalage ‘s three crucial wickets: Destroys West Indies’ top-order

Wellalage’s introduction to T20 International cricket couldn’t have been more impactful, as the young Sri Lankan spinner dismantled West Indies’ top order, claiming three wickets for just 9 runs in his 4-over spell. The 20-year-old bowled with incredible control and guile, outsmarting the West Indian batters on a turning pitch in Dambulla.

1. Brandon King (stumped by Kusal Mendis) Wellalage’s first T20I wicket came in the form of a well-set Brandon King. King charged down the wicket in an attempt to break the shackles but was outfoxed by Wellalage, who dragged the ball shorter. King, left stranded, allowed Kusal Mendis to easily whip off the bails, giving the young spinner his maiden wicket.
2. Andre Fletcher (caught by Kamindu Mendis) Pressure got the better of Andre Fletcher as he tried to sweep a well-flighted delivery from Wellalage. The ball took a top edge, and Kamindu Mendis at slip made no mistake, backpedaling to take a simple catch, further denting West Indies’ hopes of building a steady partnership.
3. Roston Chase (caught by Kusal Mendis) Wellalage completed his dream spell by removing Roston Chase. Tossing the ball up with tempting flight, he induced a drive from Chase, who nicked it straight to slip. The late dip in the delivery completely deceived Chase, highlighting Wellalage’s superb control over his variations.

Also WATCH: 4,4,4,4,4 �Pathum Nissanka ????brutally hammers Shamar Joseph in the 2nd T20I

Sri Lanka’s dominant victory over West Indies

Earlier Sri Lanka, after posting a competitive total of 162/5, thanks to Pathum Nissanka‘s patient 54 and Kusal Perera‘s brisk 24, their spinners stole the show. Wellalage (3/9) was the standout performer, ably supported by Theekshana, Hasaranga, and Asalanka, each chipping in with crucial wickets. West Indies never recovered, collapsing to 89 all out in just 16.1 overs. Despite their explosive lineup, they couldn’t find answers to Sri Lanka’s spin assault. Their top order faltered early, and the middle order crumbled under the mounting pressure, with key players like Johnson Charles and King falling cheaply. Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, combined with sharp fielding, sealed the match comfortably.

Also READ: Pathum Nissanka, Dunith Wellalage propel Sri Lanka? to a series-leveling win over the West Indies in 2nd T20I

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The Caribbean Premier League 2024 continued to deliver exciting cricket, with the 9th game between the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the Barbados Royals being no exception. The match, played at Warn??er Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, was a nail-biter that went down to the wire.

Toss and decision

Barbados Royals, after winning the toss, elected to bowl first, hoping to restrict the Patriots’ batting. This decision proved to be spot-on as their bowlers shone with an exceptional display of their skills and applied pressure on the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots batting line-up picking up early wickets.

Also WATCH: Fabian Allen take a spectacular catch to dism??iss Nicholas Poora?n in CPL 2024

A disastrous start for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots faced an uphill battle early on as they lost their first three wickets for just 0 runs. Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, and Andre Fletcher were all dismissed cheaply for a duck, leaving the Patriots reeling. However, the experienced duo of Mikyle Louis and Wanindu Hasaranga steadied the ship with a crucial partnership.

Louis played a responsible knock of 30 runs, while Hasaranga contributed a valuable 40 runs. Despite the efforts of Louis and Hasaranga, the Patriots’ innings was constantly disrupted by wickets. Sherfane Rutherford and Josh Clarkson added a few more runs to the total, but the Patriots were eventually outplayed for 153 runs with a loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage were the pick of the bowlers for the Roya?ls, sharing 5 wickets in between them, picking up 2 wickets and 3 wickets.

A close chase by the Barbados Royals

The Barbados Royals’ chase also got off to a shaky start as they lost their first two wickets for 25 runs. Rahkeem Cornwall and Quinton de Kock were dismissed cheaply by Mayers. However, Kadeem Alleyne and Shamarh Brooks started to build an innings with a decent partnership. All?eyne scored a valuable 30 runs, while Brooks contributed 11 runs.

Wellalage the star of bowling also shone with the bat making 39 runs, the highest runs for his franchise during the chase in this match. The all-rounder and Rovman Powell added a few more runs to the total, but the Royals’ innings was constantly disrupted by wickets. Jason Holder and Nyeem Young tried to accelerate the scoring towards the end, and their efforts didn’t go in vain. The Royals were eventually able to chase the target of 154 runs in 19.5 overs, wining the match by 2 wickets ??and a ball to spare.

Mayers and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers for the Patriots, picking up 2 wickets each. Wanindu Hasaranga, Veerasammy Permaul, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ryan John also made valuable contributions with the ball ?but couldn’t defend the low score.

A thrilling finish

The match was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. The Patriots’ batting was let down by a poor start, while the Royals’ bowling was impressive. In the end, the Patriots were able to defend their total and secure a victory by 4 runs.

The match showcased the competitive nature of the CPL, with both teams fighting hard until the v?ery end. The fans were treated to a thrilling encounter that will be remembered? for a long time.

Also WATCH: Keemo Paul and Andre Fletcher engaged in a heated encounter during?? CPL 2024 match

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Dunith Wellalage delivered a sensational performance in the third ODI against India, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul that played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic 110-run victory. This win not only secured the series for Sri Lanka but also marked their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997.

Sri Lanka thrash India in the third and final ODI

In the match held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 249 runs after posting 248 for 7 in their innings. Avishka Fernando was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a well-made 96 runs. However, it was Wellalage’s bowling that stole the spotlight, as he dismantled the Indian batting lineup with figures of 5 for 27 in just 5.1 overs.

India’s chase began on a promising note with Rohit Sharma scoring a brisk 35 off 20 balls. However, the innings quickly spiraled out of control after his dismissal. Wellalage’s spell was instrumental in breaking the backbone of the Indian batting order, with the team collapsing for just 138 runs in 26.1 overs.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill’s controversial catch to dismissal K?usal Mendis in SL vs IND 3rd ODI

Wellalage’s historic achievement

Wellalage’s five-wicket haul not only secured him the ‘Player of the Match’ award but also etched his name in the record books. He became the first player to achieve a five-wicket haul against India in ODIs on two separate occasions, showcasing his growing prowess as a key player for Sri Lanka. His performance was particularly impressive given the pressure of the match and the significance of the series.

Here’s the video:

Dunith Wellalage spins a web around India, claiming a sensational FIVE-FOR! He's now the ONLY spinner to achieve this feat TWICE in ODIs against India!

Relive the magic on our YouTube channel! //t.co/gg1mMpcHY3 #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/ME40E9VfgQ

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 8, 2024

After the match, Wellalage expressed his elation, stating, “I want to thank my skipper [Charith Asalanka], 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,” he added.

Wellalage’s outstanding five-wicket haul against India has not only secured a historic series win for Sri Lanka but has also highlighted the potential of the younger generation of cricketers in the country. As Sri Lanka celebrates this achievement, Wellalage’s performance will be remembered as a key moment in the series, setting the stage for future successes in Sri Lankan cricket.

Also READ??: Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene reacts to Sri Lanka’s historic ODI series win over India

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India took on Sri Lanka in the fourth fixture of the Super Four round at the Asia Cup 2023. The match witnessed a breathtaking display of spin wizardry as the Sri Lankan spinners wreaked havoc in the Indian camp and bundled out the Men in Blue for 213 runs. Dunith Wellalage was the s??tar for the Islanders and showcased his extraordinary skills with the bowl, taking a brilliant fifer for his team. However, Wellalage prow?ess was not just limited to his bowling performance as he also took a sensational catch that left people in awe.

India innings

The highly anticipated match began with India winning the toss and choosing to bat. Although the Indian team started off well, they managed to post just 213 runs in 49.1 overs. Rohit Sharma led the way for his team with a well-crafted 53 runs off 48 balls, supported by KL Rahul (39). Ishan Kishan also chipped in with resilient ??33 runs off 61 balls but couldn’t power India to a massive total.

Sri Lanka spinners wreak havoc in the Indian camp

Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) were the chief destructors for Sri Lanka with the ball, while Maheesh Theekshana bagged the remaining scalp. It is worth mentioning that it marked the tenth instance in ODI history where spinners had?? taken all 10 wickets in an innings. Meanwhile, this was the first time that occur??red against the India.

Also READ: BCCI provides an update on Shreyas Iyer’s injury amid the ongoing Asia Cup

Apart from Wellalage sensational bow??ling performance, he also showca?sed a sensational fielding effort to dismiss Kishan that left everyone amazed.

Dunith Wellalage takes a stunner to dismiss Ishan Kishan

It all happened on the second ball of the 35th over when Asalanka produced a full, tempting outside-off delivery to Kishan, enticing him to go for the big shot over cover. What followed was nothing short of cricketing magi?c as Wellalage plucked the ball out of the sky, defying the odds and leaping into the air with both hands outstretched. The effort from Wellalage left the spectators in awe of his athletic ability and impeccable timing.

Here’s the video:

Ishan Kisan out by Charith Asalanka 
India 5th wkt down 170-5 35overs
#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/1z2t5oLYsc

— Jokes Master (@JokesMasterpk) September 12, 2023

Also WATCH: Dunith Wellalage dismantles India’s top order – Asia Cup 2023, IND vs SL 

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