The world of cricket often brings moments of immense joy and crushing disappointment. For Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage, his team’s thrilling six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup Group B clash in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18th, was tragically overshadowed by devastating personal news.
Unbeknownst to the 22-year-old during the match, his father, Suranga Wellalage, had passed away in Colombo earlier that day. The heartbreaking revelation came to him from Sri Lanka’s team manager only after the post-match formalities were complete.
In the wake of this profound loss, Wellalage immediately departed the squad to be with his family. While his teammates celebrated their crucial win, which secured Sri Lanka’s unbeaten progression to the Super Four stage, the young cricketer was plunged into grief.
This tragic development casts a shadow of uncertainty over Wellalage’s continued participation in the tournament. Sri Lanka is set to face Bangladesh on September 20th, Pakistan on September 23rd, and India on September 26th.
Despite the personal turmoil, Thursday’s match marked Wellalage’s fifth T20 international and his first appearance in the 2025 Asia Cup. Although his bowling figures – conceding 49 runs in four overs, including five sixes to a formidable Mohammed Nabi – were challenging, his team ultimately delivered a successful chase. Kusal Mendis’s outstanding unbeaten 74 and Kamindu Mendis’s crucial late cameo ensured Sri Lanka surpassed the target of 170 runs with eight balls to spare.
Dunith Wellalage has rapidly established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young talents, having delivered standout performances, including his career-best 5/27 in an ODI against India last month in Colombo. However, this hard-fought victory will forever carry a bittersweet memory for him, as he transitioned from collective triumph to profound personal sorrow in a matter of moments.
The global cricketing community extends its deepest condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family during this incredibly difficult time.