By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Dubai (UAE): India captain Suryakumar Yadav displayed a touching gesture during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. The skipper took time to console young Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage, who is still grieving the loss of his father earlier this month.
Emotional exchange on the sidelines
Dunith Wellalage, 22, lost his father, Suranga Wellalage, to a heart attack during the Asia Cup’s group stages. The tragic news was conveyed to him by Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya after the side’s clash with Afghanistan.
On Friday, Suryakumar was spotted walking towards Wellalage during a break in play. Placing a hand on the spinner’s chest, the India captain spoke with him for nearly two minutes, patting him on the back and offering words of encouragement. Wellalage listened quietly, occasionally nodding, visibly touched by the support.
When Suryakumar walked away, the young cricketer appeared grateful for the compassion shown to him. The moment, captured by Sony Sports Network, quickly went viral on social media, captioned simply as “This moment.”
Support from across cricketing circles
This is not the first time Wellalage has received support from the cricket fraternity. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, along with coach Mike Hesson and team manager Naveed Akram, had also consoled the spinner following his return to the UAE after his father’s passing.
Despite his grief, Wellalage rejoined the squad for Sri Lanka’s Super 4s opener against Bangladesh. However, he struggled in that game, failing to take a wicket, and was subsequently left out of the following matches against Pakistan and India.
India’s thrilling Super Over victory
The India versus Sri Lanka clash itself turned into a nail-biting thriller. Batting first, India posted 202 for 5 in their 20 overs, with opener Abhishek Sharma leading from the front with a fluent 61. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh ensured the total remained competitive.
In response, Sri Lanka looked well on course to chase the target, largely due to Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant century. The opener kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive until the final over, where his dismissal shifted the momentum.
With the scores tied, the match headed into a Super Over. Arshdeep Singh bowled for India, conceding just two runs with disciplined bowling. Suryakumar then sealed the contest in India’s favour by smashing the required runs off the first delivery bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga.
Looking ahead to the final
The victory allowed India to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Super 4s stage, setting up a high-stakes Asia Cup final against archrival Pakistan on Sunday, September 28, at the same venue.
While the win delighted Indian fans, the emotional exchange between Suryakumar and Wellalage has stood out as one of the defining moments of the tournament—reminding the cricketing world that compassion transcends rivalry.
