Dunith Wellalage set to rejoin Sri Lankan team for Asia Cup 2025 after father's funeral

Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage had a tragic day last Friday night (September 18), as after their last Group B match against Afghanistan, where Sri Lanka confirmed their place for the Super Fours in the Asia Cup 2025, he learnt that his father had passed away due to a heart attack. However, the 22-year-old is ready to join the team in the Asia Cup 2025.

After Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by six wickets with eight balls remaining after successfully chasing the 170-run target, Dunith Wellalage was informed of the tragic news. He returned home to pay his late father his last respects.

Dunith Wellalage will be available for selection for the game vs Bangladesh in Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025

Sri Lanka will start their Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours campaign with the match against Bangladesh on Saturday (September 20) in Dubai. The 22-year-old Dunith is set to rejoin the Lankan team on Saturday morning after leaving his country on Friday night. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that he will be available for the match against Bangladesh on Saturday. 

On their social media account, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed, “Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. He will travel to the UAE tonight accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode. Sri Lanka will begin its Super Four stage campaign of the ongoing tournament tomorrow against Bangladesh in the UAE. Wellalage will be available for selection for the game."

[WATCH] Mohammad Nabi smashes five consecutive sixes in 20th over of SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 clash

Dunith conceded 32 runs in final over against Afghanistan

Dunith has played one Test, 31 ODIs, and five T20Is, where the left-arm spinner has taken 39 ODI and seven T20I wickets. In the match against Afghanistan last Friday, the left-arm spinner conceded 32 runs in the final over of the innings, as Afghan legend Mohammad Nabi smashed him five consecutive sixes in legal deliveries. He has played only one match in the ongoing tournament, where he had the bowling figures of 4-0-49-1.