Lahore, Pakistan – Sri Lanka cricketer dunith Wellalage learned of his father’s passing following his team’s victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup on Saturday.Suranga Wellalage,Dunith’s father,died due to a heart attack.
The news was broken to Wellalage by Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager after the match concluded. Visuals circulating online show Jayasuriya consoling the visibly distraught cricketer, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russell Arnold confirmed the news during commentary on the Sony Sports Network, noting Suranga Wellalage was also a cricketer who captained Prince of Wales College. “Dunith wellalage’s father,Suranga,passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket to. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter’s,” Arnold saeid.He added,”Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place,the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the super 4 stage.”
Wellalage had a challenging match, conceding 49 runs in four overs, including 32 runs in the final over of Afghanistan’s innings where mohammad Nabi hit five sixes. Afghanistan finished with 169/8.
Sri Lanka successfully chased the target, winning by six wickets with eight balls remaining. Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74, and Kamindu Mendis contributed an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls.
With this win, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super 4s stage alongside Bangladesh from Group B, eliminating Afghanistan from the tournament. Sri Lanka will next face Bangladesh in the Super 4s on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium.