SL Vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025: Dunith Wellalage Learns Of Father's Demise Post Sri Lanka's Win (WATCH)

Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage received heartbreaking news of his father's demise shortly after the victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, August 19. Sri Lanka registered a thrilling six-wicket win over Afghanistan to remain unbeaten in the group stage before moving on to the Super 4 stage of the tournament.

With a 170-run target, Sri Lanka chased it down in 18.4 overs. Opener Kusal Mendis led the batting with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 74 off 52 balls, alongside a crucial 52-run stand for the fifth wicket with Kamindu Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls. Kusal Prera (28) and skipper Charith Asalanka (17) made vital contributions to Sri Lanka's run chase.

Earlier, Afghanistan were restricted to 169/8 despite Mohammad Nabi's onslaught of 60 off 22 balls, including 6 sixes and 3 fours, at an impressive strike rate of 272.73. Sri Lanka's bowling attack was led by Nuwan Thushara, who registered figures of 4/18 at an economy rate of 4.50 in his spell of four overs.

Sri Lanka mourns Dunith Wellalage's father

Sri Lanka might have won the match against Afghanistan, but the celebrations were muted after Dunith Wellalage received the heartbreaking news of his father's passing. Wellalage was playing when his father breathed his last following a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 54.

In a video that went viral on social media, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya was seen breaking the news of his father's sudden passing to Dunith Wellalage, leaving the young spinner devastated on the field. The 22-year-old went to the dressing room, with other teammates following him to offer quiet support as he left the dugout.

The moment when Sri Lanka's coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith's father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54. video credits- Dhanushka twitter/P01nFFWlVW

- Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18, 2025

RIP ️Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, has sadly passed away following a heart attack. twitter/48LcvHgH5o

- Sri Lanka Tweet (@SriLankaTweet) September 18, 2025

Former Sri Lanka batter Russell Arnold, who is part of the commentary panel for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, confirmed that Dunith Wellalage's father passed away just before the team's victory over Afghanistan. While offering his condolences to Wellalage and his family, Arnold recalled spinner's father, Suranga, captaining Prince of Wales College when he was leading his school, St Peter's.

“Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter's,” Arnold said while commentating for the match.

“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,” he added.

Cricket fans heartbroken over Wellalage's father's demise

The news of Dunith Wellalage's father's untimely demise has not only left Sri Lankan cricket heartbroken but also the entire cricketing fraternity and fans around the world in mourning. Afghanistan's veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi offered his condolences to the Sri Lankan spinner's family.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), cricket fans around the world expressed their condolences and shared heartfelt messages of support for Dunith Wellalage and his family.

Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father strong Brother twitter/d6YF2BhlnV

- Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 18, 2025

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. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

- Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 18, 2025

Deepest condolences, #DunithWellalage on your father's sudden demise...!!! twitter/NAKKylRmdG

- Oshadhi Alahapperuma (@OshadhiA) September 19, 2025

Our heartfelt condolences, Dunith. May your father's soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find strength during this difficult time. twitter/YAMMP5acvD

- Wazhma Ayoubi (@WazhmaAyoubi) September 18, 2025

Asia Cup Heartbreak: Dunith Wellalage Learns Of Father's Death Only After Sri Lanka's Win Over AfghanistanRIP Sir️ twitter/uUXiB3uTC4

- Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) September 19, 2025

Dunith Wellalage ke baare mein sochta hun to lagta hai duniya mein kitna gham apna gham kitna kam hai..

- Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) September 19, 2025

You've made your father proud, Dunith twitter/EZbJQl6r0j

- Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 19, 2025

The shocking news Dunith wellalage.s father Passed away in the middle of the asia cup...Keep Brave bro Your Father always Proud for You ✨ twitter/rMLxzMeQJx

- KaviDilipYash Prasad (@kavidilipyash) September 19, 2025

Our heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the passing away of his father due to a sudden heart attack. May his family, friends & relatives find strength and comfort during this difficult time. 'RIP' to the departed soul. #AFGvSL #AsiaCup2025 twitter/0GG8I7jFiB

- Cricket Afghanistan (@AFG_Sports) September 19, 2025

Such sad news with the passing of Dunith Wellalage's father and that the 22-year-old found out after the Afghanistan match. Condolences to the family.#AsiaCup

- CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 19, 2025

Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, has sadly passed away in Colombo after a suspected heart attack condolences to Dunith and his family in this tough time. #DunithWellalage #SriLanka #Cricket #onecricket twitter/ZLeeeVvorc

- onecricketcom (@onecricketcom) September 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will continue their quest for the seventh Asia Cup triumph when they take on Bangladesh in their Super 4 stage match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 20.

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