Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match in Abu Dhabi

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage received the devastating news of his father Suranga Wellalage's passing due to a heart attack shortly after Sri Lanka's Asia Cup 2025 group-stage win against Afghanistan. Despite the victory, the moment was bittersweet for the 22-year-old, who was playing his first match in this year's tournament and had just been hit for five sixes in the final over by Mohammad Nabi. Suranga Wellalage, aged 54, was also a cricketer and had captained a prominent school team, making his son's loss all the more poignant for the cricket community. Dunith was comforted by his team manager after being informed, and the team's win was dedicated to him amid an outpouring of support from the cricket world. This personal tragedy casts uncertainty on Dunith's participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. His promising cricket career includes notable achievements such as best bowling figures of 5/27 against India and being the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Asia Cup ODI format tournament.