Sri Lanka’s qualification to the Super Four was clouded in grief as allrounder Dunith Wellalage learned of his father’s death right after the win against Afghanistan, casting doubt on his participation in the rest of the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka’s triumph over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on September 18, which secured their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, was marred by tragedy. Allrounder Dunith Wellalage, just 22 years old, was informed of his father Suranga Wellalage’s death only after the match concluded. Moments after celebrating a six-wicket win with his teammates, the young cricketer left for home in mourning.
The timing of the loss has thrown Wellalage’s immediate future in the tournament into uncertainty. With Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26, the team now confronts the possibility of moving forward without one of their brightest talents.
For Wellalage, the game against Afghanistan marked his fifth T20I appearance and his debut in this year’s Asia Cup. Although he did not have a standout role in the match itself, his presence had been a boost to the side’s balance and strategy. The shock news of his father’s passing has left Sri Lanka Cricket weighing their options as they move deeper into the competition.
Wellalage has already built a reputation as a rising star in international cricket. He has represented Sri Lanka in 31 ODIs, producing standout moments such as his career-best 5 for 27 against India in Colombo in August 2024. Fans will also remember his 5 for 40 in the 2023 Asia Cup ODI against India, a tournament in which he finished as the equal-second highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps at an average of 17.90.
The young allrounder’s future in the ongoing Asia Cup now depends on his ability to balance personal grief with professional duty. While Sri Lanka celebrates another step forward in the tournament, the shadow of loss is a sobering reminder that even in sport’s brightest moments, life’s deepest sorrows can intrude without warning.
