Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka’s all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has returned home from the ongoing Asia Cup following the sudden passing of his father, Suranga, on Thursday night—the same day Wellalage played a Group B league match against Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old learned of his father’s death only after the match and immediately left for Colombo on the earliest available flight. It remains uncertain whether he will return for the tournament, with Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh in a Super 4 match on Saturday, followed by games against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.
Former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga expressed his condolences on X, saying: “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 in this difficult time.”
Veteran Afghanistan cricketer Mohammad Nabi also shared his sympathy: “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother.”
Wellalage, a left-arm spinner, bowled four overs against Afghanistan, taking the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran for 49 runs. The match marked the fifth T20I of his career. Sri Lanka won by six wickets, thanks to wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.
