Tragic News for Sri Lankan Spinner Dunith Wellalage During Asia Cup 2025
Heartbreaking Loss for Dunith Wellalage
Dunith Wellalage, a promising 22-year-old spinner from Sri Lanka, faced a devastating personal loss during the Asia Cup 2025. His father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away from a heart attack on Thursday, September 18, while Dunith was competing against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The tragic news reached him just after Sri Lanka secured their victory.
Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager broke the heartbreaking news to Wellalage. Jayasuriya was seen providing comfort to the young player as he was escorted away from the field. A video has emerged showing reporters informing Mohammad Nabi about the incident, who had just hit five sixes off Wellalage's bowling. Nabi was visibly shocked and expressed his condolences upon hearing the news.
The exchange between the reporters and Nabi unfolded as follows:
Reporter: "Dunith Wellalage's father has passed away."
Mohammad Nabi: "Father? How?"
Reporter: "From a heart attack, just after the match."
Mohammad Nabi: "Really?"
Reporter: "The news came during the match, but Dunith was informed only after it concluded."
Mohammad Nabi (in disbelief): "Heart attack?"
Reporter: "Yes."
The moment reporters told Mohammad Nabi about passing away of Dinuth Wellalage Father due to heart attack.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 18, 2025
Reporter told him that it happened during mid break of the match & sri lankan team told wellalage after the game.pic.twitter.com/OQT30OqvSE
In the match itself, despite Sri Lanka's win, it was a challenging day for Wellalage, who gave away 49 runs in four overs. Nabi's impressive performance included five sixes in the final over bowled by Wellalage, who managed to take only one wicket, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran in the 13th over.