Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage Leaves Asia Cup After Father's Demise

Abu Dhabi, Sep 19 (PTI): Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage has taken a temporary leave from the ongoing Asia Cup following the sudden demise of his father, Suranga Wellalage, who passed away on Thursday night.

On the very day of his father's passing, Dunith was participating in a Group B league match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The news of Suranga's death, caused by a heart attack at age 54, reached Dunith only after the match concluded.

Wellalage quickly returned to Colombo on the earliest available flight.

It remains uncertain whether the 22-year-old all-rounder will make a comeback to the tournament, where Sri Lanka is scheduled to play against Bangladesh in a Super 4 match on Saturday.

Following that, Sri Lanka will compete against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.

Former Sri Lanka captain, Lasith Malinga, expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, "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."

Similarly, Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi extended his sympathies, writing on X, "Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother."

During the match against Afghanistan, Wellalage, who is a left-arm spinner, bowled four overs, claimed the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, and conceded 49 runs.

The match, which marked Wellalage's fifth T20I appearance, concluded with Sri Lanka winning by six wickets, thanks to wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis's unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.

Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's head coach and legendary batsman, relayed the tragic news to Wellalage after the game and expressed his support on social media.

"Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, his love for the game, and his spirit live on through you. I know how strong you are, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make him proud by winning many games for Sri Lanka," Jayasuriya posted on Facebook.

He further added, "At this difficult moment, please remember that you are not alone. I will be there for you like a father -- guiding you, standing with you, and supporting you every step of the way. The entire team, the nation, and everyone who loves this sport are by your side."

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