COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: When Sri Lanka clinched a shock 1996 World Cup triumph, Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana were not even born, but the rising stars head to India determined to repeat the victory.
Both aged 20, fast bowler Pathirana and all-rounder Wellalage are undeterred by facing childhood heroes at the tournament that opens on October 5.
Pathirana, expressing their collective ambition, shared with AFP, “We are eager to bring the World Cup back to Sri Lanka. I aspire to contribute as much as possible to winning matches for my country.”
The recent sting of defeat in the Asia Cup final against India, where Sri Lanka was dismissed for a mere 50 runs, still lingers. However, Wellalage remains optimistic about Sri Lanka’s prospects, citing the extensive preparations they’ve undergone.
“We have players with a wealth of experience on the global stage,” he affirmed. “Our strategy is to take it one match at a time… I believe we can present a commendable performance.”
Wellalage showcased his prowess in one-day internationals during the Asia Cup match against India in Colombo on September 12, where he claimed figures of 5 for 40, despite India ultimately winning by 41 runs.
Reflecting on a personal milestone, he revealed, “Since my childhood, Virat Kohli has been the player I admired. Taking his wicket brought me immense satisfaction. It was a moment I could hardly believe had happened.” —APP
