Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: All-Rounder Dunith Wellalage Learns of Father’s Death After Victory Over Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025

Introduction

In what should have been a night of celebration, Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan during Asia Cup 2025 came paired with personal tragedy for young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. As Sri Lanka chased down a target with six wickets to spare, Wellalage learned that his father Suranga Wellalage had passed away. The unexpected news cast a shadow over the victory, even as the team secured its place in the Super Four stage.

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 Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan :

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Match Recap:

(Group B)

• Afghanistan set a challenging target, posting 169/8 in 20 overs. Veteran Mohammad Nabi smashed an explosive 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over bowed by Wellalage.

• Sri Lanka responded strongly. Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with 74 off 52*, while Kusal Perera added 28.

• Wellalage’s bowling was under pressure — he conceded 49 runs in his 4 overs, with especially rough final over. He did take the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran.

• Sri Lanka won the chase in 18.4 overs with six wickets in hand. This confirmed their topping of Group B and elimination of Afghanistan.

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Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Personal Tragedy Wellalage Learns After Match

• Dunith Wellalage, aged 22, found out about his father Suranga Wellalage’s sudden death after the match ended. He was not informed during the match to avoid unsettling him.

• Wellalage left for home immediately after the match, returning to Colombo. His participation in upcoming Super Four matches (vs Bangladesh, Pakistan, India) is now uncertain. NDTV Sports+1

• Suranga Wellalage was known as a respected school cricketer — he captained Prince of Wales College in Sri Lanka. Former players such as Russell Arnold paid tribute.

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Emotional Undercurrents & Reactions

• The dressing room and coaching staff were visibly subdued. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and team manager consoled Wellalage after the match.

• Mohammad Nabi, who had clobbered Wellalage for five sixes in that final over, was also seen expressing grief when informed of the news.

• Media and fans globally have offered condolences. Former Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga also posted messages of support.

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Implications for Sri Lanka’s Campaign

• Sri Lanka now proceeds to the Super Four stage, with confidence boosted by this chase.

• However, the loss has raised doubt over whether Dunith Wellalage will play in the upcoming Super Four matches.

• The emotional moment may affect team morale, but it also shows the human side of sport — that even in success, players carry personal burdens.

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What This Means for Wellalage and Sri Lanka

For Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka Vs Afghanistan: this Asia Cup was meant to be a platform to showcase his potential in the T20 format. Having already proven himself in ODIs with memorable five-wicket hauls against India in the 2023 and 2024 editions, his transition to T20Is was being closely watched. The tragedy of losing his father on such a crucial stage, however, has added a deeply emotional layer to his journey. At just 22 years old, the challenge before him is not just cricketing, but personal resilience.

The Sri Lankan team management has offered him complete support, emphasizing that family comes first. Whether he returns to play the Super Four matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India will depend entirely on his mental state and his family’s wishes. Cricket Sri Lanka officials have confirmed that he will not be pressured, and that his place in the squad remains secure regardless of his immediate availability.

For the team, this incident serves as both a setback and a unifying moment. Sports often reveal the human side of athletes — beyond numbers, averages, and highlights. Sri Lanka’s players, from senior stars like Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews to younger teammates, have publicly expressed solidarity with Wellalage. Fans, too, have rallied around him, flooding social media with condolences and support messages.

If he returns, his presence could serve as a motivational force. If not, his absence will still remind Sri Lanka of the larger purpose of playing with heart and dedication. Either way, the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage will carry with it the echoes of this personal loss — a reminder that cricket is as much about emotions as it is about victories.

Final Thoughts

This match will be remembered not only for the cricketing drama but also for the poignancy of loss. Wellalage’s achievement in helping his team win must be tempered by compassion. In the Super Four stage, whether he returns or not, Sri Lanka will carry the memory of this evening with them — a reminder that behind every player is a life far bigger than statistics.

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