Rising Star Dunith Wellalage Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2024
Patiala, 16 September (Sports Desk)
A rising all-round star, Dunith Wellalage, has become the second player from Sri Lanka to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month in 2024.
Wellalage’s all-round brilliance against India helped him secure the award, overcoming competition from South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies’ Jayden Seales.
The 21-year-old, a former Sri Lanka U19 skipper, made significant strides in his nascent international career in August 2024. His contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic victory over India in a bilateral ODI series for the first time since 1997.
see this link also….Sri Lanka’s Rising Star Wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2024
Facing a formidable Indian team, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup runner-up, Wellalage scored a career-best 67* and took the wickets of Rohit and Shubman Gill in the first ODI, which ended in a thrilling tie.
In the second ODI, he made another crucial contribution with a fighting 39, helping Sri Lanka to a winning total. Although he didn’t score significantly in the third game, he claimed a career-best 5/27, derailing the India innings by dismissing key players like Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer.
Wellalage expressed his “immense satisfaction” upon receiving the award, stating that it would further motivate him to continue his hard work and contribute to his team’s success. He thanked his teammates, parents, friends, and relatives for their unwavering support.
This recognition is a significant boost for young players like Wellalage, encouraging them to strive for excellence in the game.
It’s a double delight for Sri Lanka this month, as compatriot Harshita Samarawickrama won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August.
Wellalage joins teammate Kamindu Mendis as Sri Lankan men’s award winners in 2024, with Mendis claiming the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March.
Key points:
- Dunith Wellalage has won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2024.
- He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory over India in the ODI series.
- Wellalage excelled in both batting and bowling, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
- This is the second time a Sri Lankan cricketer has won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award in 2024.
