Dunith Wellalage’s Tragedy Shadows Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Win

Sri Lanka marched into the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four after chasing down 170 against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Yet celebrations never truly began. Shortly after the victory, 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage received news that his father, Suranga, had died of a heart attack.

The Sri Lankan team was still catching its breath after a nail-biting win over Afghanistan when the mood suddenly changed. What was to become a celebration night, turned out to be a heartbreak. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya summoned the players and informed the young Dunith Wellalage that his father, Suranga, had died of a sudden heart attack in their home.

Suranga Wellalage was only 54. A cricketer himself in his younger days and a former captain of Prince of Wales College, he was well respected in local circles for his passion for the game. For Dunith, the news was devastating. Reports say he may return home to be with his family, leaving his participation in the Asia Cup Super Four in doubt.

Messages of support have been pouring in. Former skipper Lasith Malinga shared on X that the entire country is behind Dunith, and even fans from rival nations have sent their condolences, a reminder that sport has the power to unite people in grief.

For Sri Lanka, the qualification was a big step, but cricket has taken a backseat. Their Asia Cup 2025 campaign is still alive, yet the dressing room feels heavy. How the team supports Dunith, or reshuffles if he steps away, will likely define the next phase of their journey.

The victory for Sri Lanka was big but the loss was bigger. Sometimes sport reminds us it’s about more than runs and wickets.