On Thursday, September 18, while playing Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lankan bowler Dunith Wellalage had a personal tragedy. Suranga Wellalage, Dunith’s father, passed away from a heart attack while he was playing for his nation at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
During the match, Dunith Wellalage played on without realising what had happened, and Sri Lanka won. But only after the game was the young cricket player told the devastating news. In a social media video, head coach Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka is seen on the pitch delivering the heartbreaking news to Wellalage. As he talks to the bowler in the video, Jayasuriya is seen putting a comforting arm around his shoulder to provide support despite the heartbreaking defeat.
No son should go through this💔
Jayasuriya & team manager right after the game communicated Dinuth Wellalage the news of his father’s passing away.pic.twitter.com/KbmQrHTCju
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 18, 2025
You’ve made your father proud, Dunith 💗 pic.twitter.com/EZbJQl6r0j
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 19, 2025
“Suranga, Dutith Wellalage’s father, died not long ago. He also played a little cricket. You are aware of the size of our school’s cricket team. As a commentator on Sony Sports Network, Russell Arnold stated, “I captained my school, St Peter’s, while he captained Prince of Wales College.”
That’s quite sad to hear. Dunith Wellalage was informed of the news only moments ago.
And we send the family our sympathy. The festivities will be subdued. The changing room is a cramped space for the team. “Hopefully, this strengthens their bonds and enables them to advance and perform well in the Super 4 stage,” he continued.
Although he never played for the national team, Suranga, a cricket player himself, had captained Prince of Wales College. In Sri Lanka’s last Group B match, Dunith Wellalage had a difficult match on the pitch. The left-arm spinner took just one wicket while giving up 49 runs in four overs.
Against Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who hit him for five sixes in a single over as he was scoring a scorching 60 off 22 balls, he had his most challenging moment. Afghanistan put up a fierce battle, but Sri Lanka won in the end and eliminated Afghanistan from the competition.
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