Watch: Dunith Wellalage shocked to learn about his father’s demise after SL vs AFG match

Dunith Wellalage, the Sri Lankan left-arm spinner, was shocked to hear about his father’s sudden demise after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 group stage affair between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 18 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lankan coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager were the first to inform Wellallage about his father’s demise right after the match. Notably, Dunith’s father passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 54.

Notably, the young spinner has left the campaign after hearing the news, and it is still unclear if he will return for the Super Four stage. While Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualified for the next round, Afghanistan and Hong Kong have been eliminated from Group B.

Wellalage bowled the 20th over against Afghanistan, conceding 32 runs against Mohammad Nabi as Afghanistan went on to post a good-looking total of 169/8 in 20 overs. However, Sri Lankan batters chased down the target in 18.4 overs quite convincingly.

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 

After Sri Lanka’s comprehensive win, former Sri Lankan cricketer and commentator Russell Arnold revealed the heartbreaking news on air. 

“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," Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!