Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Learns of Father’s Sudden Passing, Moments After Asia Cup Match 

Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga, was a former cricketer for the Prince of Wales college team, but could never achieve professional success.

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Learns of Father’s Sudden Passing, Moments After Asia Cup Match 

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage was informed about his father's demise, immediately after Asia Cup match. (via NDTV Sports)

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Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage was left devastated after the team’s six-wicket victory over Afghanistan, as he learned of his father’s sudden demise. Wellalage was informed of the tragic news by head coach Sanath Jayasuriya on the sidelines of the pitch, moments after the team’s win.

The Lions’ faced off Afghanistan in a crucial Asia Cup group stage encounter last night. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a first-innings total of 169 runs, thanks to Mohammad Nabi‘s blistering 60 runs off just 22 balls, while Nuwan Thushara claimed a four-wicket haul. Sri Lanka however, easily chased down the target in just 18.4 overs, with Kusal Mendis hitting an unbeaten 74-run knock of 52 balls. 

However, the victory turned out to be a bittersweet one for the Sri Lankan team, as 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage, who was a part of the playing XI and finished with figures of 1/49 in his four-over spell, battled with a tragic personal loss. Moments after the customary post-match handshakes, Wellalage, who was walking towards the dressing room, was told that his father Suranga Wellalage, had passed away.

A former amateur cricketer himself, Suranga, aged 54, suffered a heart attack while watching his son play in the Asia Cup. He had collapsed at his home and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A poignantly video of Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and another member of the coaching staff sharing the news of his father’s death to Dunith has gone viral on social media.

Jayasuriya embraced the spinner by putting his his arm around the his shoulder, consoling him in his time of profound grief, after he broke down in tears and struggled to walk off the field. The news was also shared by former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold, while commentating for Sony Sports.

Arnold spoke of his personal connection to Suranga, and also shared that Sri Lanka’s celebrations following the Asia Cup victory would be muted out of respect for the Wellalage family. Arnold stated on Sony Sports network:

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.

Furthermore, Dunith Wellalage returned home to Colombo after the match, for his father’s last rites. It is uncertain whether the 22-year-old will return to play in the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup, with Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh in the ‘Super Fours’ this weekend. 

Mohammad Nabi Stunned to Learn Dunith Wellalage’s Father Died During Their Asia Cup Clash

Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who had an impressive outing against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup, was left stunned after being informed about the demise of Dunith Wellalage’s father. It was not long after Nabi had hit Wellalage for five sixes in an over during the match.

Mohammad Nabi on Dunith Wellalage father
Mohammad Nabi, who had hit Dunith Wellalage for five sixes, responded after his his father’s demise. (via India Today)

Nabi had unleashed his fury against young Dunith Wellalage during the final group stage encounter, which was Afghanistan’s only opportunity to make it to the ‘Super Fours’ stage. The 40-year-old, playing his last Asia Cup, in the 20th over of the innings, hit Wellalage all around the stadium. He sent two sixes soaring over long-on, with others traveling over long-off and mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi finished with a score of 60 runs, which included three fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 272.73. After the match, Nabi was approached by a group of journalists, who informed him about the untimely demise of Dunith Wellalage’s father during the match. The Afghan all-rounder was left startled about the young player’s loss, and later took to social media to share his condolences.

Despite Nabi’s record-breaking performance, Afghanistan ultimately lost the match by six wickets. The 40-year-old was equally impressive with the ball during Sri Lanka’s innings, finishing with figures of 1 for 20 in his three overs, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for his team.

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