Dubai, Sep 16
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has been crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2024 following his exceptional all-round performances against India.
The 21-year-old left-arm spinner and battter outshone South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies’ Jayden Seales to claim the prestigious award.
Wellalage’s contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic ODI series victory over India, their first bilateral series win against the cricketing giants since 1997.
Despite India being heavy favourites, bolstered by the return of stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Wellalage’s brilliant all-round display helped Sri Lanka overcome the formidable challenge.
Across the series, Wellalage amassed 108 runs and took seven wickets, making crucial contributions in every game. In the first ODI, he scored an unbeaten career-best 67 not out, and claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, helping Sri Lanka secure a thrilling tie.
His fighting 39 in the second ODI played a pivotal role in setting a winning total for Sri Lanka. While he didn’t fire with the bat in the third ODI, Wellalage delivered a career-best bowling performance of 5/27, dismantling India’s batting order and taking the prized wickets of Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer.
Upon receiving the award, Wellalage expressed his joy and gratitude: "This recognition gives me further strength to continue doing the good work I do as a player and contribute to my team to reach excellence in the field. I wish to thank my teammates, parents, friends, and relatives... as they have been supporting me all throughout," Wellalage told ICC.