In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, India captain Suryakumar Yadav shared a poignant moment with Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match at the Dubai International Stadium. Wellalage, a 22-year-old talent, had recently endured the personal tragedy of losing his father, Suranga Wellalage, to a heart attack earlier in the month.
Following the news, which was conveyed to Dunith by Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya after a group stage match against Afghanistan, Suryakumar approached Wellalage on the sidelines. He placed a comforting hand on the young spinner’s chest, offering words of encouragement and support. The two spoke for nearly two minutes, during which Suryakumar repeatedly patted and cheered him on. Wellalage was visibly moved, nodding in appreciation of the gesture, and appeared profoundly grateful for the Indian captain’s empathy.
The touching interaction quickly gained traction after Sony Sports Network shared it on social media with the simple yet powerful caption, “This moment.”
Despite his profound personal loss, Wellalage demonstrated immense resilience by returning to the UAE to participate in Sri Lanka’s first Super 4s match against Bangladesh. Although he struggled in that game, failing to take a wicket, and was subsequently rested for Sri Lanka’s following matches against Pakistan and India, his commitment was evident. Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, along with coach Mike Hesson and manager Naveed Akram, had also extended their condolences and support to the young cricketer.
The match between India and Sri Lanka itself proved to be a thrilling encounter. India set a competitive total of 202 for 5 in 20 overs, largely thanks to a brilliant 61 from opener Abhishek Sharma. Sri Lanka mounted a strong chase, with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge with a magnificent century. The game ultimately went down to the wire, forcing a Super Over after Nissanka’s dismissal in the final over. Arshdeep Singh, bowling for India, skillfully conceded just two runs. Suryakumar Yadav then wasted no time, sealing the victory for India by hitting the required runs off the first ball bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga.
With this hard-fought win, India continues its impressive momentum and is now set to face archrival Pakistan in the highly anticipated Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium.