Wellalage Clinches ICC Men’s Player For August; Harshita Bags Women's Award
The 21-year-old left-arm spinner and battter outshone South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies’ Jayden Seales to claim the prestigious award.
Wellalage’s contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic ODI series victory over India, their first bilateral series win against the cricketing giants since 1997.
Despite India being heavy favourites, bolstered by the return of stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Wellalage’s brilliant all-round display helped Sri Lanka overcome the formidable challenge.
Across the series, Wellalage amassed 108 runs and took seven wickets, making crucial contributions in every game. In the first ODI, he scored an unbeaten career-best 67 not out, and claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, helping Sri Lanka secure a thrilling tie.
His fighting 39 in the second ODI played a pivotal role in setting a winning total for Sri Lanka. While he didn’t fire with the bat in the third ODI, Wellalage delivered a career-best bowling performance of 5/27, dismantling India’s batting order and taking the prized wickets of Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer.
Upon receiving the award, Wellalage expressed his joy and gratitude: "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 they have been supporting me all throughout," Wellalage told ICC.
Wellalage’s award marks the second time a Sri Lankan male player has won the accolade this year, with teammate Kamindu Mendis claiming the honour in March 2024. It’s a double celebration for Sri Lanka as Harshita Samarawickrama was named ICC Women's Player of the Month for August.
She overcame competition from the Irish duo of Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis to bag the honour. It is also the third woman's award for the island nation in 2024, with Athapaththu having won the award in May and July.
The southpaw dominated Ireland in both ODI and T20I legs of the tour, securing some monster scores on the way.
"I am extremely happy with this recognition, which I consider a new high in my career. It certainly gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the big competition, the Women's T20 World Cup," Harshita said.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support network around me—my teammates, coaches, parents, my sister, brother, friends, and mentors. I take this opportunity to thank them all.
"I am extremely happy with this recognition, which I consider a new high in my career. It certainly gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the big competition, the Women's T20 World Cup," Harshita said.
Also Read: ICC Women's T20 WC Schedule
Article Source: IANS