Asia Cup: 2 days after father’s death, Dunith Wellage returns to play vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage has returned to play against Bangladesh in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Wellalage has been enduring a personal tragedy over the past few days as his father died during Sri Lanka’s last group game against Afghanistan.
The 21-year-old immediately flew back home to attend his late father Suranga’s last rites and has now returned to play for his national team. Wellalage’s commitment to his national side even earned him praise from former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold. A minute of silence was also observed ahead of the match in honour of the late Suranga Wellalage, as all the players and the fans at the ground paid their tribute.
A video of Wellalage saying goodbye to his family members has been going viral on social media as he leaves for the UAE along with the Sri Lanka team manager.The left-arm spinner arrived in the UAE on the morning of September 20ahead of the Bangladesh clash.
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Dunith’s father, Suranga Wellalage, was a respected cricketer who had captained one of Sri Lanka’s leading school teams. The former all-rounder said Suranga had skippered Prince of Wales College at a time when Arnold himself captained St Peter’s College. Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya also expressed condolences to Welllage and assured him that he has the support of the entire country.
Dunith Wellalage is on a mission.
While his father’s body is still at home, He leaves for UAE to rejoin his team which is all set to play in the super 4’s in Asia cup 2025. What a sacrifice this is.. BTW his father’s funeral is to take place tomorrow (21) at Colombo.… pic.twitter.com/fDqjKcK25Y
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the Super 4 clash in Dubai.
Sri Lanka Playing XI against Bangladesh: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh Playing XI against Sri Lanka: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
