Sri Lanka must beat New Zealand in the Super Eights clash in Colombo on Wednesday, or it will be out before its final match against Pakistan.
Sri Lanka was left on the brink after being blasted out for 95 against England to lose by 51 runs a day after New Zealand and Pakistan took a point each from a washout.
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“We have got to now win both these games,” left-arm spinner Wellalage told reporters.
“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 semifinals. The last two games haven’t gone to our plan but we are looking forward to the must-win clash tomorrow.”
The 23-year-old Wellalage has stood up for Sri Lanka in the absence of senior bowlers Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Eshan Malinga because of injury.
Wellalage bowled in the PowerPlay against England and finished with three wickets, including captain Harry Brook.
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“It was a challenge bowling during the PowerPlays, and the key was for me to deny the batsmen boundaries,” he said.
“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.”
Sri Lanka has struggled in global tournaments since winning the T20 World Cup in 2014.
It hosted New Zealand in late 2024, winning Test and ODI series and drawing a T20 series 1-1.
“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.”
Published on Feb 24, 2026
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