Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage delivered a stellar performance to help Sri Lanka secure a tie against India in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series. The thrilling encounter took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2.

Dunith Wellalage showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, earning him the Player of the Match award. His unbeaten 67 with the bat lifted Sri Lanka to a respectable total of over 200. He then made a significant impact with the ball, dismissing both Indian openers and helping his team claw its way back into the game.

Following the contest, Wellalage explained on his bowling strategy. He claimed that the captain set him up to bowl during the powerplay, a decision he defended by securing critical early wickets including dangerous Rohit Sharma. 

"We knew that the wicket was spinning. So Charith Asalanka had told me that I would be bowling in the powerplay. I had good support from the wicket too," Dunith Wellalage was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"With Rohit at the time, I was trying just to bowl wicket-to-wicket, because I knew how much assistance there was from the pitch," he added.

Wellalage also credited his teammates, particularly highlighting the key contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka.

"When we bowled, the game changed with the wickets that Wanindu aiya and Charith aiya took. They took wickets at very difficult times, and that's how we were able to at least keep it to this score. If you take Axar Patel and KL Rahul, these are batters who have finished a lot of matches.

"At that time, we needed to get the bowlers in, and when Charith aiya got Axar out and Wanindu aiya got KL Rahul out. It was important to stay calm at that stage, and the match turned our way," said Wellalage.