By Devadyuti Das

Copyright india

Tragedy struck in the middle of Asia Cup 2025 tournament in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday night. Star cricket from Sri Lanka Dunith Wellalage received the shocking news about the death of his father in the middle of their Group B match against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Wellalage who is only 22 years of age tragically lost his father Suranga Wellalage after a sudden heart-attack. Suranga was only 54 years of age.
Former Sri Lanka captain and now head coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the news of his father’s death to Dunith Wellalage after Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan to book their place in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Dunith had a dazed look in his eye when he heard about the death of his father and a video of Jayasuriya sharing this news went viral on social media.
WATCH Sanath Jayasuriya sharing news of death of Dunith Wellalage’s father to Sri Lanka cricketer HERE…
The moment when Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith’s father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54.🥲
video credits- Dhanushka pic.twitter.com/P01nFFWlVW
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18 2025
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russell Arnold shared the news about death of Dunith Wellalage’s father on air on Sony Sports Network on Thursday night. “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” former Sri Lanka cricketer 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” Arnold added.
Dunith Wellalage conceded 32 runs in his final over to Mohammad Nabi
Just a few hours earlier left-arm spinner Wellalage had conceded record 32 runs in his final over to Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi who smashed him for five sixes. But Nabi also posted a consolation message for Wellalage when he heard about the tragic news. “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong Brother” Nabi posted on ‘X’.
Earlier Nabi smashed 60 off 22 balls with six sixes and 3 fours to help Afghanistan pile up 169 for 8 after batting first. However Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls and Kamindu Mendis hammered 26 off 13 balls to chase down the target for the loss of only 4 wickets with 8 balls to spare.
With this win Afghanistan were sent packing while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the Super 4 stages to join India and Pakistan.