Asia Cup: Sri Lanka’s Wellalage mourns father’s death

WEB DESK: Sri Lanka allrounder Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away on Thursday, the same day his son featured in the Asia Cup Group B clash against Afghanistan after chasing a 171-run target.

The 22-year-old only learned of his father’s death after Sri Lanka sealed a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare, a result that secured their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament. Soon after the match, Wellalage left the squad to return home.

The bereavement casts uncertainty over his continued participation in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and arch-rivals India on September 26. English Umpire Richard Kettleborough also shared a video of Wellalage receiving the news from coach and legendary player Sanath Jayasuriya.

Thursday’s match was Wellalage’s fifth T20I appearance and his first outing in this edition of the Asia Cup. Although his spell proved expensive against Afghanistan, the left-arm spinner has already carved out a reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s brightest young talents. Afghanistan player Mohammad Nabi also offered his condolences.

He has represented Sri Lanka in 31 ODIs, most notably taking 5 for 27 in the third ODI against India in Colombo in August 2024. A year earlier, during the 2023 Asia Cup in the ODI format, he grabbed 5 for 40 against India and finished as the tournament’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps at an average of 17.90.

The Sri Lanka team management has yet to confirm whether Wellalage will rejoin the squad, but his absence would be a major blow as the side prepares for a demanding Super Four schedule.