India’s bowling attack combined to end Sri Lanka’s 13 ODI match unbeaten streak and seal their spot in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 with a game to spare, as the hosts bundled out for 172 chasing a paltry target at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
While spinners from either side dominated the game, the pacers, too, played a part in India’s 41-run victory over the co-hosts.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka expressed his surprise at the unexpected turn of the wicket on Tuesday but had high praise for the young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.<\/p>\n
Wellalage delivered a stellar performance, first securing his maiden five-wicket haul and then displaying his batting prowess by remaining unbeaten on 42 off 46 balls.<\/p>\n
“We didn’t expect this kind of a wicket, but after the first 10 overs we came into the match brilliantly with the spinners.”<\/p>\n
“The luxury of the two genuine batters bowling is great, they’ve done well in the nets but it was great how they performed. After the last game with Bangladesh I sensed he (Wellalage) would do something special,” Shanaka said.<\/p>\n