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Photograph: (Source: @MohammadNabi007 X)
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Following the unexpected passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage will return to the national team on Saturday morning, shortly before their first Super Four match against Bangladesh in Dubai. After hearing of his father's death, the 22-year-old went back home on Thursday night. However, he will now be eligible for selection as Sri Lanka starts the next phase of their Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
On social media, a picture of the team manager comforting Wellalage following their win went viral. Before their Super 4 match against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 20, the left-arm spinner will return to the team after flying back to Colombo to attend his late father's final ceremonies.
Dunith Wellalage Tragic Loss:
In a post on X, he said, “Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. He will travel to the UAE tonight, accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode. Sri Lanka will begin its Super Four stage campaign of the ongoing tournament tomorrow against Bangladesh in the UAE. Wellalage will be available for selection for the game.”
On September 18, the day Sri Lanka played Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, the heartbreaking news was announced. Wellalage played in his debut tournament encounter, taking out Ibrahim Zadran and giving up 49 runs in four overs. With a six-wicket victory, Sri Lanka guaranteed their spot in the Super Four. But when Wellalage learned after the game that his father had passed away in Colombo from a heart attack, the team didn't rejoice. To be with his family, he flew home with team manager Mahinda Halangode.
In contrast, Wellalage's performance against Afghanistan was unmemorable as he was hit for five straight sixes in the final over of the first innings. After Akila Dananjaya, he ended up surrendering 32 runs in the over, making it the second most costly over bowled by a Sri Lankan. He dismissed Ibrahim Zadran after finishing with figures of 1/49 in four overs. Despite this, Sri Lanka easily chased down 170 in 18.4 overs, led home by Kusal Mendis (74* off 52), and won by a commanding six wickets.
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