Asia Cup 2025: Dunith Wellalage to rejoin Sri Lanka team following father’s death

Sri Lanka allrounder Dunith Wellalage will rejoin the national squad on Saturday morning, just ahead of their first Super Four clash against Bangladesh in Dubai, following the sudden death of his father, Suranga Wellalage. The 22-year-old had returned home on Thursday night after learning of his father’s passing, but is now set to be available for selection as Sri Lanka begin the next stage of their Asia Cup 2025 campaign.

The tragic news came on September 18, the same day Sri Lanka played Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Wellalage featured in his first match of the tournament, conceding 49 runs in four overs and picking up the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran. Sri Lanka won the match by six wickets, ensuring qualification for the Super Four. However, the team didn't celebrate when Wellalage was informed post-match that his father had died of a heart attack in Colombo. Accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangode, he flew home to be with his family.

Watch: Nabi learns of Wellalage's dad’s passing with shock

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Watch: Nabi learns of Wellalage's dad’s passing with shock

A video from the game showed Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya consoling the youngster on the field, moments after breaking the heartbreaking news. Jayasuriya later paid tribute to Suranga Wellalage, who had been a respected school cricketer and captain of Prince of Wales College, expressing that his legacy continues through his son. Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold, commentating during the game, also provided condolences to the youngster's family.

Despite his difficult evening on the field against Afghanistan, Wellalage has already made headlines in his short international career. He has played 31 ODIs, including two memorable five-wicket hauls against India, one during the 2023 Asia Cup. He finished that tournament as the joint second-highest wicket-taker. In ODIs, he has 39 wickets and 386 runs to his name, while in T20Is, he has picked up seven wickets from five games.