In a profound act of personal strength and commitment to national duty, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage is set to be available for selection in his team’s Asia Cup Super Four match against Bangladesh this Saturday. This remarkable decision comes after the tragic and sudden passing of his father.
The 22-year-old left-arm spinner had to fly home to Colombo on Thursday night, hours after contributing to Sri Lanka’s Group B victory against Afghanistan, upon learning that his father, Suranga, had died from a heart attack. Despite the immense personal grief, Wellalage returned to the UAE on Friday night, accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangode, showcasing extraordinary dedication.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officially confirmed his availability in a statement issued late Friday, highlighting his readiness to join the squad as they commence their Super Four stage campaign.
A poignant video capturing Wellalage’s emotional farewell from his family before his departure for the UAE has resonated deeply across social media platforms. The footage has gone viral, drawing widespread admiration from fans and fellow cricketers who are deeply moved by the youngster’s courage and unwavering commitment to his country in such a trying time.
The Afghanistan game, where Wellalage last featured, was his fifth T20 International appearance. Sri Lanka secured a convincing six-wicket victory in that encounter, largely propelled by wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis’ superb unbeaten innings of 74 runs from just 52 balls.
Wellalage has quickly established himself as a promising talent, having already played 31 One Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals. His presence is crucial, adding significant depth to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack as they navigate the challenging Super Four stage.
Following their crucial match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka is slated to face Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26. These upcoming fixtures are expected to be pivotal in determining their journey and potential advancement in the prestigious tournament.