Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage is heading back to the UAE tonight after a heartbreaking loss at home. His father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away from a heart attack on Thursday, and the young allrounder rushed back to Colombo to say his final goodbyes.
According to Sri Lanka Cricket’s statement, Wellalage will rejoin the national team tomorrow morning. Team Manager Mahinda Halangode will travel with him as he flies out late Friday. The 22-year-old had just finished playing against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi when he got the tragic news. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager broke it to him right after the match.
Wellalage wasted no time—he hopped on the next flight home. But he’s determined to get back in action for Sri Lanka’s Super Four clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on Saturday. Fans can expect to see him available for selection in this key Asia Cup game.
Coach Jayasuriya shared a touching tribute on Facebook, calling Suranga Wellalage a proud father, former cricketer, and inspiration. “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage,” he wrote. “He raised a son the whole nation loves. Dunith, your dad’s passion for cricket lives on in you. You’re strong, and we’ll win many games for him. The team and country are with you—I’m here like a father to guide you.”
Wellalage has made his mark in international cricket with one Test, 31 ODIs, and five T20Is under his belt. He’s grabbed 46 wickets and scored 427 runs so far. Cricket fans remember him for his epic left-arm spin spells against India—like that stunning 5/27 in a bilateral series last year and 5/40 in the 2023 Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s team, captained by Charith Asalanka, is on fire in the Asia Cup 2024. They topped the group stage with three straight wins: a six-wicket victory over UAE, a four-wicket thriller against Hong Kong, and another six-wicket win over Afghanistan on Thursday—the very day Wellalage faced his personal loss. As they gear up for the Super Fours, the squad stands strong, ready to chase more glory.
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