In a truly tragic turn of events, Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage received the devastating news of his father’s passing just moments after helping his team secure a six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in a crucial Asia Cup Group B match in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. This somber announcement was conveyed to Dunith Wellalage after the match, as seen in a poignant image from the event.
The 22-year-old was completely unaware that his father, Suranga Wellalage, had died earlier in Colombo while he was actively playing on the field. Reports indicate that the heartbreaking news was gently conveyed to him by the Sri Lankan team manager after all post-match formalities were completed. Overwhelmed with grief, Wellalage immediately departed the squad to return home and be with his grieving family.
His profound personal loss casts a somber shadow over what was otherwise a triumphant moment for Sri Lanka, as they successfully advanced to the Super Four stage without a single defeat. This unexpected development unfortunately raises questions about Wellalage’s continued participation in the tournament, with upcoming matches scheduled against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.
Thursday’s match marked Wellalage’s fifth T20 international appearance and his first in the 2025 Asia Cup. Despite a challenging bowling performance where he conceded 49 runs in his four overs, including five sixes in a final over onslaught by the rampaging Mohammed Nabi, his teammates rallied commendably. Kusal Mendis delivered an impressive unbeaten 74, supported by Kamindu Mendis’s crucial late cameo, ensuring Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 170 runs with eight balls to spare.
Wellalage has rapidly gained recognition as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young talents, having previously delivered outstanding ODI spells against India, including his career-best performance of 5/27 last month in Colombo. However, this particular triumph will forever be etched in his memory with a profound sense of bittersweetness, as he transitioned from celebrating a team victory to confronting a deeply personal tragedy within minutes.
The entire cricketing community extends its deepest condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family during this incredibly difficult time.