Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka script a unique record against India

In a historic turn of events during the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team faced an unprecedented challenge. Sri Lankan spinners, Dunith Wellalage, Charith Asalanka, and Maheesh Theekshana, managed to dismiss all 10 Indian wickets, marking the first time in One Day International (ODI) history that India lost all its wickets to spinners.

All 10 wickets to spinners

India’s innings started reasonably well, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid foundation. However, the 20-year-old Dunith Wellalage triggered a sudden collapse in the Indian batting lineup, reducing them from 80 for no loss to 91 for 3. Wellalage’s remarkable performance yielded him a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 40 from his 10 overs and becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to achieve a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

Charith Asalanka joined the spin assault, claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs, while Maheesh Theekshana took the final wicket, dismissing Axar Patel. India was bowled out for 213 in 49.1 overs.

This unique achievement marked the first instance in ODI history where India lost all its wickets to spinners. All three bowlers responsible for this feat were off-spinners. India had previously lost nine wickets to spin against Sri Lanka at the same venue in 1997.

Overall, this is the 10th occurrence in ODI history where spinners have taken all 10 wickets in an innings. Sri Lanka had previously achieved this feat once when their spinners bowled out Zimbabwe in an ODI at the same venue in 2001.

Dunith Wellalage, who played a pivotal role in this historic bowling performance, mentioned that his dream wicket was that of Virat Kohli. Despite the challenging surface conditions, Wellalage expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and their ability to put up a competitive fight.

This remarkable achievement by Sri Lankan spinners showcased their prowess and left an indelible mark on the history of ODI cricket.

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