Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage's world came crashing down on Thursday, September 18, as his father Suranga Wellalage passed away due to a heart attack. Incidentally, it was also the same date when the Island nation played their last group-stage clash against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The young all-rounder only knew about this shattering news after the completion of the game, which was won by Sri Lanka with six wickets and enabled their qualification to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 tournament.
Notably, Dunith did not have his best game against Afghanistan as he was clobbered for five consecutive sixes in an over by Mohammad Nabi. Before that, he had conceded just 17 runs in his three overs. However, the 22-year-old was at the receiving end of Nabi's assault, which eventually helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 169. However, it was not enough as keeper-batter Kusal Mendis's 74 helped Sri Lanka overhaul the target and seal top spot in Group B of the Continental Cup.
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Dunith Wellalage's availability for the rest of the Asia Cup matches in doubt
Speaking about Wellalage, he might exit the remainder of the Asia Cup due to the unexpected bereavement, and it will be a massive void to fill the all-rounder's shoes, who has so far proven to be a valuable asset for the side with bat and ball in hand. Though there has not been an official confirmation about the 22-year-old exiting the tournament, it is almost certain that the all-rounder may not take further part in the Asia Cup 2025 for Sri Lanka to do the last rites of his father.
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Suranga was 54 when he passed away on September 18 and was a former cricketer himself. His sudden death might have literally shaken Dunith, who is just about establishing himself in all formats of the game. The game against Afghanistan was just his fifth T20I since making his debut in the format in 2024, picking seven wickets from five games.
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