Sri Lanka and Pakistan are playing an important Super Fours fixture in the Asia Cup 2025, as it is a must-win fixture for both teams to stay in contention for the qualification of the Final.

In the match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (September 23), Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to field first after winning the toss at Abu Dhabi. Both teams suffered defeat in their first Super Fours game, as Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets with one ball remaining and India outclased Pakistan by six wickets with seven balls remaining. So, a defeat on Tuesday night will make the qualification for the Final the toughest, as nothing will remain in the losing team’s hand, while a victory will push them in the battle for the qualification for the Final.

WATCH: Shaheen Afridi strikes in the second ball during SL vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match 

Dunith Wellalage and Kamil Mishara dropped from Sri Lankan squad

Sri Lanka made two important changes in the playing XI for the match against Pakistan. Chamika Karunaratne and Maheesh Theekshana have been included in the playing XI, while Dunith Wellalage and Kamil Mishara have been dropped. Both changes were tactical decisions from the Lankan side. 

Dunith recently lost his father, as he returned home to pay his last respects to his late father. But then he returned to the team and played their previous Super Fours fixture against Bangladesh on the same night, last Saturday. 

On the other hand, Kamil Mishara won the Player of the Match award for Sri Lanka in their tournament opener against Bangladesh in the group stage. But after that match, his form drastically dropped as he failed to reach the 20-run mark in last three innings. 

In the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Fours as the Group B champions, as they won all three matches against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, to finish the group stage with six points. Meanwhile, Pakistan were the Group A runners-up, where they lost against India, but defeated Oman and the hosts United Arab Emirates. 

Sri Lanka won last five T20Is against Pakistan

Sri Lanka have won the last five T20Is against Pakistan since 2019, while before that Pakistan claimed six consecutive wins against Sri Lanka in this format. While it is the T20 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka are the defending champions, as they defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the Final to win the T20 Asia Cup 2022 title. 

Before the start of the opening clash of the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the players showed a great spirit of solidarity as they wore black armbands to observe a minute’s silence to pay homage to the left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga.

The one-minute silence was observed before the national anthem to honor the former player, who passed away during Sri Lanka’s last group-stage clash against Afghanistan on September 18. Dunith Wellalage received incredible support from the cricket fraternity around the world during the difficult phase.

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The spin all-rounder left the national camp after the end of the last game and attended his father’s funeral before rejoining the team on September 20. He has also been named in the playing eleven for the vital clash against Bangladesh. Wellalage has shown great courage and mental strength in this aspect in his short life.

Sri Lankan team are wearing black armband in today SL vs BAN Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2025

Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and decided to bowl first on a surface he expected to get slow in the second innings. Mehedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam came into the eleven with the management deciding to drop Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain from the team. Sri Lanka went unchanged in the eleven.

The wicket-keeper batter, Kusal Mendis, clubbed 34 runs in 25 balls at a strike rate of 136 with the help of three over boundaries and one six. The best contribution came from Dasun Shanaka, who nailed an unbeaten knock of 64 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 172.97, shouldering on three boundaries and six sixes as they posted 168/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sri Lanka, in reply, was at a good position at around 82 runs in around 10 overs. Saif Hassan drilled undefeated 47 runs in 33 balls at a strike rate of 142.42. Their wicket-keeper batter, Litton Das, was undefeated on 23 runs in 16 balls.

Just two days ago, Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage got the tragic news after the end of the group stage match in the Asia Cup 2025 against Afghanistan. While he returned to the team on Saturday morning (September 20), is he playing the match against Bangladesh in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday evening?

Dunith Wellalage returned home to pay his last respects to his late father

After Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by six wickets with eight balls remaining in the last Group B match in the Asia Cup 2025 to secure their place for the Super Fours, youngster Dunith Wellalage learnt that his father had passed away due to a cardiac arrest. Dunith returned to his home, and it was initially expected that he wouldn't return for the Asia Cup. 

However, last Friday night, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Dunith would join the team on Saturday morning, and he would be available for selection for the match against Bangladesh in the Super Fours of the tournament. But the question was still on, as it was about to be practical. 

See Also: From Sachin Tendulkar to Dunith Wellalage: cricketers who endured personal loss while fulfilling their on-field duties

Dunith Wellalage is in Sri Lankan playing XI

Ultimately, at the toss, while Bangladesh chose to field first, Sri Lanka announced the unchanged squad. It means that Dunith is playing the match against Bangladesh, which is surely a big courage for the youngster. Sri Lankan cricketers are also wearing the black armband as a sign of respect. 

It is the second match for Dunith in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, who has recorded seven wickets in five T20Is. In the match against Afghanistan, the left-arm spinner had the bowling figures of 4-0-49-1. Although he bowled well in his first three overs, his bowling figures were damaged due to conceding 32 runs in the final over of the innings, where Mohammad Nabi smashed five sixes in consecutive legal deliveries. 

Sri Lanka’s young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage faced a heartbreaking moment soon after his team’s Asia Cup 2025 win against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. While his teammates were celebrating, Dunith received devastating personal news.

Reports revealed that his father had passed away earlier, but the team management chose to share the information only after the match had concluded, believing it was best for the player’s state of mind during the game.

The 21-year-old cricketer, who played a key role for his side in the group stage clash, immediately decided to return home after learning of the tragedy. His teammates and fans have expressed their condolences, recognizing the immense strength it took for him to stay focused on the field before hearing such news.

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Several Cricketing Stalwarts Face the Same Devastation:

This isn’t the first instance of cricketers facing personal heartbreak while fulfilling professional commitments. Legends like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rashid Khan have also endured similar tragedies during crucial matches. Their experiences highlight the emotional challenges players silently overcome while continuing to perform at the highest level. Here’s a glimpse into their journeys.

• Virat Kohli (India)

Back in 2006, a young Virat Kohli, just 18 years old, was representing Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match when tragedy struck with the passing of his father, Prem Kohli. At the time, Virat was unbeaten on 40 runs overnight.

Despite the heartbreaking news, Virat showed immense strength and chose to return to the crease the very next morning. Battling through grief, he went on to score a vital 90 runs, ensuring Delhi avoided a follow-on. This act of resilience not only saved his team but also marked the beginning of Kohli’s reputation for mental toughness and determination.

• Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers, faced a heartbreaking moment during the 1999 ICC World Cup. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, passed away while the tournament was on, leading him to return to India for the funeral. This meant he had to miss India’s group match against Zimbabwe.

Despite the personal loss, Sachin soon rejoined the Indian team, knowing his country needed him. In the very next game against Kenya, he displayed immense courage and composure, scoring an unbeaten 140. He dedicated this memorable century to his late father, turning grief into a powerful tribute.

• Mohammed Siraj (India)

Mohammed Siraj was in Australia with Team India in 2020 when he received the devastating news of his father’s passing. With strict COVID-19 travel rules in place, he faced a tough decision and chose to remain with the squad instead of returning home.

That series became a turning point in his career. Siraj made his Test debut during the tour and showcased remarkable determination despite his personal loss. His performances played a vital role in India’s memorable series victory, making his journey an inspiring story of resilience, sacrifice, and commitment to both his family’s dreams and the national team.

• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

In 2018, Rashid Khan was representing Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League when he learned of his father’s passing. Despite the heartbreaking news, the young Afghan spinner decided to stay with his team. Showing remarkable strength and maturity, he played the very next day, prioritising his cricketing responsibilities while coping with personal grief.

• Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage faced a heartbreaking moment during the Asia Cup when he learned of his father’s passing shortly after the team’s win over Afghanistan. His father reportedly suffered a heart attack during the match. Despite the victory, Dunith chose to return home immediately, prioritising family in the midst of his cricketing journey.

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. 

After match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was surprised to find out about Dunith Wellalage's father tragic death. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informed Dunith of his father, Suranga Wellalage’s, untimely passing on Thursday, September 18, after the conclusion of the game.

Nabi, who had faced Wellalage earlier in the match, only learned about the news while heading back to the team bus after Afghanistan’s six-wicket loss. A group of journalists informed him of the tragic development, leaving Nabi stunned and apologetic as he tried to process the information. Jayasuriya and Sri Lanka's team manager consoled the 22-year-old before he packed up his equipment and made his way from the dugout to the pavilion.

Earlier in the game, Nabi had hammered Wellalage for five sixes in the final over of Afghanistan’s innings. Even though he made a late blitz, Afghanistan was still not enough to save them from a six-wicket defeat and thus their departure from the tournament. Kusal Mendis (74* off 52) took the Player of the Match award with him after his brilliant innings, which led Sri Lanka to win.

Solidarity and Support from the Cricketing Community

The cricket community, which includes Nabi and Sri Lanka Cricket, has sent a message of support to Dunith Wellalage during this difficult time. The young bowler was energetic and sharp during his three-overs spell for 17 runs before the heartbreak in final over; however, he was able to demonstrate his talent in the middle amidst the tragedy

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This incident highlights the emotional challenge a player can experience, even in the middle of a game. Though in sorrow, Wellalage also showed great control over his game and the solidarity of not only the team but also the cricket community has been very important in the process of his healing.

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage experienced a tragic family loss while representing his country on the field during the team’s Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, September 18, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. While representing his country, Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away from a heart attack.

Dunith was still unable to cope with this tragedy when he continued to do his part in his country’s victory. He didn’t find out the awful news until after the game ended. A video of Sri Lanka's head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, sharing the news with Dunith has surfaced on social media. It shows Jayasuriya supporting Wellalage amid clearly one of the worst/biggest moments in his life.

Tragedy strikes Dunith Wellalage during the Asia Cup 2025

Russel Arnold, a former cricketer and now a commentator, reflected on the tragedy on-air, announcing a personal association, saying, “Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away just a little while ago. He played a bit of cricket also. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained St Peter's,” Arnold said on Sony Sports Network. Sending his condolences, Arnold added, “Dunith was just informed not too long ago. It is really sad to hear that. Hopefully, this will bring the team together and assist them in moving ahead in the Super 4 stage.”

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Suranga Wellalage was part of Sri Lanka’s rich school cricket circuit but never made it into the national setup. His legacy in cricket continues through Dunith, who has been accepted as one of the brightest young prospects coming through Sri Lankan cricket.

Dunith had a tough day on the ground. The left-hand spinner was ravaged for 49 runs in four overs and could only manage one wicket. His toughest opponent on the day was Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who blasted five sixes on his way to score a blistering total of 60 runs off 22 balls. 

Despite Afghanistan's brave effort, Sri Lanka managed to win and qualify for the World Cup while at the same time eliminating Afghanistan. The win was marred somewhat by the tragedy involving the Wellalage family, with teammates and fans coming together to grieve and support the young bowler.

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.

See Also: [WATCH] Rashid Khan takes fantastic catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka in SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025

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.

After the crucial Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Group B match in the Asia Cup 2025, heartbreaking news is coming from the Sri Lankan camp. It was a tragic day for the Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage.

It was the match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the Group B fixture in the Asia Cup 2025, where the Lankans beat the Afghans by six wickets with eight balls remaining to qualify for the Super Fours as the Group B champions. After the end of the match, Dunith Wellalage got some tragic news, as his father passed away due to a heart attack.

The 22-year-old left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage was in the news during Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match due to conceding 32 runs in the final over of the first innings, as Afghanistan cricketer Mohammad Nabi smashed him five sixes in that over. After the match, while Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Fours along with Bangladesh, as Afghanistan were eliminated, Dunith got the tragic news. 

[WATCH] Rashid Khan takes fantastic catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka in SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025

Who was Dunith Wellalage's father?

Dunith Wellalage's father was Suranga Niroshan Wellalage. While he was a businessman, he was also a cricketer. In 1991, he was the captain of Prince of Wales Moratuwa. He also played club-level cricket for Moratuwa SC, Sebastianites, and Kurunegala YCC.

When Dunith made his international cricket debut in June 2022 against Australia in the Pallekele ODI, his father Suranga Wellalage and other family members were present on the ground.

Dunith Wellalage's international career

Dunith has already played one Test, 31 ODIs, and four T20Is. While he hasn't taken a Test wicket yet, he has picked up 39 ODI wickets and six T20I wickets. He has already recorded two ODI five-wicket hauls, both against India. The left-handed lower-order batter has also scored 386 runs in 24 innings with an average of 20.31, including one half-century, which was fighting 67 not out against India last year.