By Aakash Biswas,News18

Copyright news18

Sri Lanka stunned Afghanistan in what was a must-win game for both sides, with Super 4 qualification at stake. However, the victory turned bittersweet for spinner Dunith Wellalage after learning about the demise of his father, Suranga Wellalage.
The 22-year-old, who was smashed for five sixes in an over by Mohammad Nabi, received the heartbreaking news from coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager after Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets.
A video has gone viral on social media in which Jayasuriya could be seen placing a comforting hand on Wellalage’s shoulder while consoling him.

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

Moments after Sri Lanka sealed a commanding win over Afghanistan, former all-rounder Russell Arnold shared the heartbreaking news on air, recalling that Suranga was also a well-regarded cricketer who captained Prince of Wales College during the same period Arnold led St Peter’s College.

Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, has sadly passed away following a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/48LcvHgH5o
— Sri Lanka Tweet ?? (@SriLankaTweet) September 18, 2025

“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.
Wellalage conceded 49 runs, including five sixes in one over, that helped Afghanistan post 169/8. However, Sri Lanka chased the target with six wickets and eight balls to spare, thanks to Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74. The win secured Sri Lanka’s Super 4s berth, eliminating Afghanistan.