Sri Lankan bowler Dunith Wellalage faced a personal tragedy during the Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, September 18. While he was representing his country at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dunith’s father, Suranga Wellalage, breathed his last after suffering a heart attack.
Unaware of the incident during the game, Dunith continued to play as Sri Lanka went on to secure victory. However, the young cricketer was informed of the heartbreaking news only after the match. A
video circulating on social media shows Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya breaking the tragic news to Wellalage on the field. In the clip, Jayasuriya can be seen placing a consoling arm around the bowler’s shoulder as he speaks to him, offering support in the face of the devastating loss.
"Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter's," Russel Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.
"Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage," he added.
Suranga, himself a cricketer, had captained Prince of Wales College, though he never went on to represent the national side. On the field, Dunith had a tough outing in Sri Lanka’s final Group B match. The left-arm spinner conceded 49 runs in four overs, managing just a single wicket.
His most difficult moment came against Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who struck him for five sixes in one over on his way to a blistering 60 off 22 balls. Despite Afghanistan’s spirited fight, Sri Lanka ultimately emerged victorious, knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament.
