Sri Lanka’s young bowler Dunith Wellalage has flown back to his home country from the current Asia Cup 2025 after the sudden death of his father, Suranga Wellalage, on Thursday night. The tragic news came to the 22-year-old only after Sri Lanka’s group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, which made him avail of the first possible flight to Colombo.
It is still unclear whether Wellalage will return to the team for the Super 4 phase, where Sri Lanka will play Bangladesh on Saturday, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.
“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,” wrote former Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga on X.
“Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother,” wrote Mohammad Nabi on his X handle.
The left-arm spinner played four overs in Thursday’s game, removing Ibrahim Zadran, albeit being taken for 49 runs. The match was only his fifth T20I game of his career.
Over the emotional background, Sri Lanka won by six wickets due to an unscathed 74 from 52 deliveries by Kusal Mendis that sent the defending champions cruising past Afghanistan’s score.
