Watch: Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage learns of father’s demise after SL vs AFG match

Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has learnt about his father’s sudden demise after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 18, in Abu Dhabi.

Advertisment

The 22-year-old spinner has left the tournament after hearing the news, and it is still unclear if he will return for the Super Four stage. Notably, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Four round alongside Bangladesh from Group B.

Delving into the details, Sri Lankan coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informed Wellallage about his father’s demise right after the match. For the unversed, Dunith’s father passed away due to a heart attack, and he was 54.

https://x.com/nibraz88cricket/status/1968752719146938396 

"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," Lasith Malinga wrote on X.

https://x.com/malinga_ninety9/status/1968750678320234990 

"Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother," Mohammad Nabi shared on his X handle.

https://x.com/MohammadNabi007/status/1968779083493286076 

Interestingly, Wellalage came on to bowl in the 20th over of the first innings against Afghanistan, conceding 32 runs against Mohammad Nabi as Afghanistan posted 169/8 in 20 overs. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.4 overs with six wickets in hand.

Right after Sri Lanka’s commanding win, commentator Russell Arnold shared the heartbreaking news of Dunith’s father, Suranga’s, demise on air. He also recalled that Suranga was a cricketer who captained Prince of Wales College during the same period Arnold led St Peter’s College.

Advertisment

“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," Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!