In a campaign where Sri Lanka have been forced to reshuffle their deck more often than they would have liked, Dunith Wellalage has found himself tossed the new ball during the Power Play and the young all-rounder has swum rather than sunk.

With Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Eshan Malinga all ruled out by injury during the 20-nation showpiece, the former champions have had to plug gaps on the run. Wellalage, who may well have been watching from the sidelines had the cupboard been full, has instead been handed a front-row seat and he has made it count.

“It was a challenge bowling during the Power Plays and the key was for me to deny the batsmen boundaries,” Wellalage told reporters on the eve of Sri Lanka’s crunch Super Eight clash against New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium. “I had to be clever with my lengths and when I did that the batters had to take a few chances. I relished the new challenge.”

Called upon to operate inside the first six overs against England when field restrictions were on, a phase usually reserved for the more experienced bowlers, the left-arm spinner rolled his arm over with maturity beyond his 23 years. He finished with three wickets, varying his pace and length like a seasoned campaigner.

With seven scalps from five outings, Wellalage is Sri Lanka’s second highest wicket-taker in the tournament behind Maheesh Theekshana’s eight. Not bad for a man who began the competition as a supporting act.

But it is not just with the ball that the former Under-19 captain has been asked to come forward. Sri Lanka’s think tank has nudged him up the batting order, promoting him from his usual berth at seven or eight, a move that has drawn praise from Batting Coach Vikram Rathour.

“I usually bat at number seven or eight, but I have been told to be ready to go up at number five if the situation arises,” Wellalage explained. “My role is to get some quick runs. The coaches have been very supportive and I enjoy the challenge.”

It is a role that demands clear thinking and brave stroke-play, the art of finding gaps rather than swinging blindly for the ropes. In a side that has at times been guilty of losing wickets in clusters, Wellalage’s calm head has offered stability.

Wednesday’s contest in Colombo is a must-win for Sri Lanka, who were handed a sobering 51-run defeat by England in their Super Eight opener. Another slip and the equation becomes steep; win, and the semi-final dream remains alive.

“We have got to now win both these games,” Wellalage said. “We have played New Zealand a lot in recent years and we know that we can beat them in these conditions. We are still in with a chance to make it to the semis and winning tomorrow will be important.”

Sri Lanka’s struggles in global tournaments since lifting the T20 crown in 2014 have been well documented. They have had to navigate qualifying routes and even missed out on the 2024 Champions Trophy, the first Men’s ICC event they failed to feature in since making their World Cup debut in 1975.

Yet Wellalage believes the tide is slowly turning.

“We know how important a home World Cup is. The fans have turned up in numbers and we have always believed that we can make it to the semi-finals,” he said. “The last two games haven’t gone to our plan but we are looking forward to the must-win clash tomorrow.”

Sri Lanka boast a healthy record at the RPS, where the surface often demands application over audacity. It is not a venue for reckless slogging but for bowlers who hit their straps and batters willing to graft before they unfurl.

“We have a good record at this ground and our winning percentage here has been good. All players are looking forward to doing well tomorrow,” Wellalage added.

by Rex Clementine