September 18, 2025, turned out to be one of the most heartbreaking days in young Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage’s life. While he was giving his best on the field in the Asia Cup Group B clash against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, he had no idea about the tragedy unfolding back home.
Dunith Wellalage’s Father Dies Due To A Heart Attack
Dunith’s father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a sudden heart attack on the very same day. The 22-year-old came to know about his father’s death only after Sri Lanka had completed a six-wicket win and booked their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
The moment that should have been filled with celebration for the team instead turned into one of deep grief.
How Dunith Wellalage Received The News
Inside the dressing room, Dunith was first informed about a medical emergency in his family. Moments later, the heartbreaking truth was conveyed—that his father had passed away.
It was Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya who personally broke the news to the youngster. Emotional scenes followed as Jayasuriya, himself teary-eyed, embraced Wellalage and consoled him. A video has surfaced on social media showing the coach putting his arm around the devastated all-rounder.
Wellalage left the team hotel soon after, accompanied by manager Mahinda Halangoda, to catch the earliest available flight to Colombo and be with his grieving family.
From Victory To Silence
Sri Lanka had just completed a comfortable chase of 170 runs inside 19 overs. Kusal Mendis played a superb unbeaten knock of 74, while Kamindu Mendis supported with 28 runs. The win ensured Sri Lanka remained unbeaten in the group stage, advancing to the Super Four alongside India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
But within minutes, the mood shifted completely. What should have been a joyous celebration turned into pin-drop silence as the team learned about Dunith’s personal tragedy. Players left the stadium quietly, with no celebrations, only shock and sorrow.
Dunith Had A Tough Day On The Field
It was already a tough day on the field for Dunith. Bowling his four overs, he finished with expensive figures of 1 for 49. In his final over, veteran Afghan batter Mohammad Nabi launched a counterattack, smashing five sixes and scoring 32 runs off the over. This became the second-costliest over by a Sri Lankan bowler in T20I history, after Akila Dananjaya’s 36-run over against Kieron Pollard in 2021.
At that time, fans only saw it as a bad day at work for the young spinner. But little did anyone know that Dunith was carrying a much heavier burden he was yet to be told about.
Mohammad Nabi’s Reaction To The Tragedy
Interestingly, the same batter who punished Wellalage on the field was left shocked when he later came to know about the tragedy.
Journalists outside the venue informed Mohammad Nabi about Dunith’s father’s passing away during the game. The senior Afghan all-rounder, who had just played a stunning 22-ball 60, was visibly shaken. He expressed his condolences on the spot and later took to social media, writing:
“Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong Brother.”
Nabi’s reaction highlighted how cricket, despite its fierce competition, always comes second to humanity.
Asia Cup Into Its Super Fours
Sri Lanka, the defending Asia Cup T20 champions, will now compete in the Super Four stage against India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. But for Dunith, cricket has taken a backseat as he mourns the loss of his father.
This incident shows the unpredictable nature of life. On one side, the team celebrated qualification for the next round. On the other hand, one of their youngest stars faced the darkest day of his life.
The Sri Lankan cricket fraternity, fans, and fellow players have come forward with messages of strength and prayers for Dunith and his family.
The passing of Suranga Wellalage during such a crucial tournament is a reminder that behind every cricketer on the field, there are human emotions, families, and personal battles.
For Dunith, the Asia Cup 2025 will not just be remembered for cricketing moments but also for the most heartbreaking chapter of his life. At only 22, he now carries both the promise of a bright cricketing future and the pain of a personal loss. As he returns home to be with his family, the cricketing world stands united in sending him strength and prayers.
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