The Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage became the second player from Sri Lanka to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2024.
Dunith Wellalage’s brilliant performance against India helped him to win ICC Men’s Player of the Month. The 21-year-old outmatched competitors from South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies Jayden Seales to secure the award.
The former Sri Lanka U19 captain had a big performance last month helping the side to win the bilateral ODI series against India for the first time since 1997.
The side had a significant challenge against India after suffering a defeat in the T20I series and with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India was considered as the favorites for the series.
But Sri Lanka kept a captivating display at home and secured a series win. Wellalage scored 108 runs and seven wickets contributing at the crucial stages of the game.
The cornerstone of the historic ODI series win over India, Sri Lanka’s rising all-rounder bags the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 🏅
— ICC (@ICC) September 16, 2024
He scored 67* in the first ODI and picked the wickets of Rohit and Shubman Gill where the match ended in a tie.
He made another contribution in the second ODI scoring 39 runs and helped the side to win the match. He picked a five-wicket haul in the third ODI picking important wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer.
“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 I am sure my achievement will provide them great satisfaction, as they have been supporting me throughout.
“Recognition such as this, coming from the International Cricket Council, is great news for young players like us and will certainly encourage young players in the game.”
Sri Lanka made a double bonus this month, with compatriot Harshita Samarawickrama winning the ICC women’s Player of the Month award for August.
Wellalage joins teammate Kamindu Mendis as Sri Lankan men’s award winner in 2024, with Mendis claiming ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March.
