Watch: Dunith Wellalage learns about his father’s demise during the Asia Cup match from Sanath Jayasuriya

The young 22-year-old Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who conceded 32 runs in the last over of Afghanistan’s innings in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage game, learned about his father’s death after the contest on Thursday, September 18, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

In a viral video that’s doing the rounds on the internet, Sri Lankan coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager can be seen informing Wellallage about his father’s demise right after the match. It’s worth noting that Dunith’s father passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 54.

While Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualified for the Super Four stage, Afghanistan and Hong Kong have been eliminated from Group B. Notably, Sri Lanka made it to the next round after their comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan on Thursday. 

Notably, Wellalage bowled the 20th over in the first innings against Afghanistan, conceding 32 runs against Mohammad Nabi as Afghanistan posted a good-looking total of 169/8 in 20 overs. However, Sri Lanka sealed the deal in 18.4 overs to make it to the next round.

Watch the video: 

https://x.com/nibraz88cricket/status/1968752719146938396 

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong, Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time," Lasith Malinga wrote on X.

https://x.com/malinga_ninety9/status/1968750678320234990 

"Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother," Mohammad Nabi shared on his X handle.

https://x.com/MohammadNabi007/status/1968779083493286076 

“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," former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.

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