Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage faced a personal tragedy during the Asia Cup clash against Afghanistan, as his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest in Colombo. Suranga, 54, was watching the match on television when he suffered severe chest pain and was rushed to hospital, but sadly could not be saved.
On the same day, Dunith took the field for Sri Lanka. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 169 for 8, with a late assault from Mohammad Nabi, who struck five consecutive sixes off Wellalage in the final over to complete a 22-ball 59. Sri Lanka successfully chased the target, reaching 170 with six wickets in hand and eight balls remaining. Wellalage, however, endured a difficult day with the ball, conceding 49 runs from his four overs while taking one wicket.
The news of his father’s passing has cast a shadow over the young cricketer, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s brightest talents at just 22 years of age. Suranga Wellalage himself had a notable cricketing background, having captained the Prince of Wales College team in the mid-1980s.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das took to social media to offer his condolences, writing: “Keep your head high, Dunith Wellalage. 🙏💙 Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Suranga Wellalage, at the age of 54. A former cricketer himself. May the almighty grant him eternal peace and give strength to the family in this difficult time.”
Wellalage is expected to return home, and his availability for Sri Lanka’s Super Four matches in the Asia Cup remains uncertain.
