Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage was struck by personal tragedy during the Asia Cup 2025. His father, Suranga Wellalage, died of a heart attack on September 18, with the news breaking after Sri Lanka’s match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The news was revealed by Russell Arnold during the post-match analysis. Team management then conveyed the news to Dunith, and an image of the team manager consoling him went viral. Suranga Wellalage, a former cricketer in his own right, had captained Prince of Wales College during the same period Arnold captained St. Peter’s College. Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager offered their support to Wellalage. The team had just secured a spot in the Super 4 round with a six-wicket win against Afghanistan. Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74, and Kamindu Mendis added 28 runs. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes off Wellalage’s bowling. Sri Lanka is now set to face India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the Super 4s.
