Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage faced a heartbreaking moment during the Asia Cup 2025 after learning of his father Suranga Wellalage’s death moments after the team’s victory over Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Suranga reportedly suffered a heart attack while Dunith was playing.

A video that surfaced on social media shows Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya breaking the tragic news to Wellalage on the field, consoling him with an arm around his shoulder.

Commentating on the incident, former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold shared emotional insights on Sony Sports Network:

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained St. Peter’s. Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. Our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them do well in the Super 4 stage.”

Suranga Wellalage was a former cricketer himself, having led Prince of Wales College, though he never made it to the national side.

Despite the personal tragedy, Sri Lanka triumphed in their final Group B game. Wellalage, however, had a tough outing, conceding 49 runs in 4 overs and taking just one wicket.

He was hit for five sixes in a single over by Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 60 runs from just 22 balls. Despite Afghanistan’s fightback, Sri Lanka secured their spot in the Super 4 stage.