Afghanistan came to the do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as neither side was confirmed to qualify from Group B of the tournament. However, the Charith Asalanka-led side’s victory not only qualifies them but also sends Bangladesh to the Super 4 stage of the event.

However, the victory turned bittersweet for the spinner, Dunith Wellalage, after he learnt the demise of his father, Suranga Wellalage, who was regarded as a well-known player, leading the Prince of Wales College during the same period Russell Arnold led St Peter’s College.

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A video went viral around the social media platforms where Wellalage was seen to be informed of the news from the manager of the Sri Lanka side, as their coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, consoled along with captain Asalanka. It was not a great evening anyway for the left-arm spinner, who was smashed for five consecutive sixes on the last over of the innings against Mohammad Nabi, who celebrated a fine fifty.

Watch: Dunith Wellalage learns of his father’s demise from Sri Lanka coach after Afghanistan clash in Asia Cup 2025

Just moments after the side sealed a six-wicket victory over the Rashid Khan-led side, Sri Lanka’s former all-rounder, Russell Arnold, shared the heartbreaking news on air, as he recalled all-rounder Suranga Wellalage. Dunith went for 49 runs in his four-over spell, including bowling the 20th and last over of the innings.

The moment when Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith’s father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54.🥲
video credits- Dhanushka pic.twitter.com/P01nFFWlVW

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18, 2025

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” Arnold commented on air.

Kusal Mendis, the wicket-keeper batter, nailed a fine unbeaten knock of 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with the help of 10 boundaries to chase down the target by six wickets with eight balls to spare.