Soon after learning of his father's passing, Wellalage boarded the earliest available flight to Colombo to be with his grieving family. His availability for the remainder of the tournament now remains uncertain
Wellalage took part in the match without any knowledge of the personal tragedy that had unfolded back home
Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage withdrew from the ongoing Asia Cup after the tragic passing of his father, Suranga, on Thursday night. The news reached the 22-year-old only after he had completed Sri Lanka’s Group B league encounter against Afghanistan.
Wellalage took part in the match without any knowledge of the personal tragedy that had unfolded back home. He bowled four overs in the game, conceding 49 runs and claiming the wicket of Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran, in a match that was only his fifth T20 International appearance.
Heart-Breaking 💔
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) September 19, 2025
- Moments after the match, Sri Lankan 🇱🇰 coach Sanath Jayasuriya & Team Manager informed young Dunith Wellalage about his father’s sudden death due to a heart attack 😣
- Strength to Dunith & his family in this tragic time 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/SN8QNTA2mM
Soon after learning of his father's passing, Wellalage boarded the earliest available flight to Colombo to be with his grieving family. His availability for the remainder of the tournament now remains uncertain. Sri Lanka, who have qualified for the Super Four stage, are scheduled to face Bangladesh next on Saturday. Their final two Super Four fixtures are lined up against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.
RIP 🕊️🙏
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) September 18, 2025
Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, has sadly passed away following a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/48LcvHgH5o
Tributes and messages of support have poured in from the cricketing fraternity in light of the news. Legendary Sri Lankan pacer and former captain Lasith Malinga took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to offer his condolences, writing: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time."
Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi also expressed his sympathy, stating: "Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother."
Wellalage, who is recognised for his promising left-arm spin and lower-order batting skills, has risen through the ranks in Sri Lankan cricket.
In the same match where Wellalage played under such heavy circumstances, Sri Lanka secured a commanding six-wicket win. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis starred with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 52 deliveries and guiding the team home in a crucial chase.
Sri Lanka walked away from the group stage of the Asia Cup unschated with three wins in three matches, eliminating Afghanistan, who ended with a win and two losses following a six-wicket loss to Lankan Lions on Thursday. Bangladesh is the other team from Group B having made it to the Super Four stage, with two wins in three. From Group A, it is India and Pakistan who made the next round.
(With inputs from agencies)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
