Dunith Wellalage Father Death: Sri Lanka Cricketer Faces Heartbreaking Tragedy During Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka’s rising cricket star Dunith Wellalage faced an unbearable personal loss during the Asia Cup 2025 when news of his father’s death reached him after the match against Afghanistan. The tragedy has shocked the cricketing world and raised questions about his continued participation in the tournament.
Dunith Wellalage Father Death During Asia Cup Match
On September 18, 2025, Sri Lanka played Afghanistan in a crucial Asia Cup Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
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While Dunith was focused on the game, his father Suranga Wellalage passed away reportedly due to a heart attack.
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The young allrounder was informed of the Dunith Wellalage father death news only after Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory, qualifying for the Super Four stage.
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Soon after, Dunith left the stadium to be with his grieving family.
Emotional Moment on the Field
A video that went viral on social media captured Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya breaking the sad news to Dunith.
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Jayasuriya placed a comforting arm around the cricketer while consoling him.
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Former Sri Lanka player Russel Arnold, commentating on Sony Sports Network, confirmed the Dunith Wellalage father death incident and recalled Suranga’s cricketing background.
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Suranga once captained Prince of Wales College, while Jayasuriya was leading St. Peter’s during their school days.
Arnold expressed condolences, saying:
“It’s tragic to hear about Dunith Wellalage father death. Hopefully, this tough moment brings the Sri Lanka team closer as they move into the Super Four.”
Impact on Asia Cup 2025 Campaign
The Dunith Wellalage father death news has left uncertainty about his availability for the remainder of the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka have three tough matches ahead:
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Bangladesh – September 20
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Pakistan – September 23
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India – September 26
Losing Wellalage, one of Sri Lanka’s promising allrounders, could be a big blow as the team prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Dunith Wellalage’s Cricket Career
At just 22, Wellalage has already made a strong mark in international cricket.
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ODIs Played: 31, with best figures of 5 for 27 against India in August 2024.
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Asia Cup 2023: Took 5 for 40 against India and finished with 10 wickets in the tournament.
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T20Is: The Afghanistan match was only his fifth T20I appearance.
The Dunith Wellalage father death comes at a time when he was shaping into a vital player for Sri Lanka’s future.
Match Recap: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
The game itself was full of drama:
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Dunith had a tough outing, conceding 49 runs in 4 overs while picking up just one wicket.
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Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi smashed him for five sixes in a single over, scoring 60 off just 22 balls.
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Despite Nabi’s brilliance, Sri Lanka chased the target with six wickets in hand and advanced to the Super Four.
But the joy of victory was overshadowed by the Dunith Wellalage father death news.
Suranga Wellalage’s Legacy
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Suranga was a respected school-level cricketer, leading Prince of Wales College in his youth.
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Though he never played for the national team, he remained deeply connected to the cricket community.
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His sudden passing has left the Sri Lankan cricket fraternity in shock.
Reactions and Condolences
The Dunith Wellalage father death news spread rapidly on social media, with fans, teammates, and former players expressing their grief.
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Many praised Dunith’s professionalism for completing the match without knowing about the tragedy.
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Cricket analysts said the team’s support will be crucial for the youngster in this difficult time.
Conclusion
The Dunith Wellalage father death has cast a shadow over Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 journey. While the team celebrated reaching the Super Four, their young star now faces the toughest battle of his life off the field.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that behind every athlete’s performance lies a personal story filled with struggles, sacrifices, and emotions.
References
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