Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage's father Suranga Wellalage passed away due to a heart attack mid-way during the side's match Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025. It turned out to be a bittersweet day for Wellalage as even though the Lankan Lions progressed to the Super 4 stage with a 6-wicket win, he was informed by head coach Sanath Jayasuriya about his father's death just moments after the victory. In a video posted on social media, Jayasuriya can be seen consoling Wellalage.
Following the conclusion of the match, former Sri Lanka cricketer Rusell Arnold broke the news on air, recalling how Suranga was also involved in cricket and used to captain the Prince of Wales College.
“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's poor display with the ball
Meanwhile, Wellalage had a forgetful day at the offie against Afghanistan as he ended up giving away 49 runs in his quota of four overs. Mohammad Nabi tore apart the 22-year-old by smashing him for five sixes in the penultimate over of Afghanistan's innings. The spinner ended up giving away 32 runs in the final over which saw the opposition post a fighting total of 169/8 on the board.
However, this wouldn't prove to be enough as Kusal Mendis' heroic inning of 74 along with Kamindu Mendis' unbeaten cameo of 26 would seee Sri Lanka reach the 170-run target with eight deliveries left to spare. This defeat saw Afghanistan get knocked out from the tournament and now the Lankan Lions will be facing-off against Bangladesh in the Super 4 stage on September 20.