Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, sealed their place in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 after beating Afghanistan in their last group-stage match in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. However, the team’s celebrations were overshadowed by personal tragedy for young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.
Afghanistan’s campaign ended in the Asia Cup 2025 as Rashid Khan’s side lost by six wickets. Sri Lanka chased the target of 170 in their final group stage match. They completed the run chase with eight balls to spare. Kusal Mendis (74) and Kamindu Mendis (26) helped the Sri Lanka team secure the victory.
Watch: Dunith Wellalage Informed of Father Suranga’s Sudden Passing
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Dunith Wellalage was informed about the sudden passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage, due to a heart attack only after his team’s match concluded. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager shared the news with Wellalage.
Jayasuriya was seen consoling Wellalage by placing a hand on his shoulder. Suranga Wellalage played in Sri Lanka’s school cricket and captained Prince of Wales College. The mood in the Sri Lankan camp quickly shifted from celebration to grief, with teammates offering support to Wellalage.
Wellalage departed for Colombo in the early hours to be with his family. Sri Lanka is set to begin their Super Four campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 20.
Suranga Wellalage Played a Bit of Cricket Too – Russell Arnold
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russell Arnold confirmed on air that Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, had passed away. Arnold expressed his condolences after the news and hoped the Sri Lankans would remain focused ahead of the Super Four stage.
“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.
“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.
Dunith Wellalage Concedes 49 Runs, Including 32 Runs in Final Over
Speaking of the match, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets. Chasing a target of 170, the 2022 champions reached the total with eight balls to spare. Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, while Kamindu Mendis played a cameo of 26 runs from 13 balls.
Earlier, Afghanistan staged a remarkable recovery after being reduced to 79-6. Mohammed Nabi smashed 60 runs off just 22 balls, hitting six sixes and three boundaries, as Afghanistan posted a respectable 169/8 in 20 overs.
Notably, Dunith Wellalage had a tough outing with the ball. The left-arm pacer conceded 49 runs in his four overs, including 32 runs in the final over as Nabi attacked him for five sixes. Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking four wickets for just 18 runs.