A minute of silence was observed before the start of the SL vs BAN Asia Cup Super 8 tie to pay tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s late father. The spinner has been included in the playing XI for the Super 4 match against Bangladesh. The youngster was apprised of his father’s death during the game against Afghanistan on Thursday. However, after flying back home to pay his last respects, Wellalage rejoined the Sri Lankan team on Friday, putting country ahead of family.
Wellalage braves bereavement to make it Sri Lanka XI vs BAN
Speaking at the toss, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka confirmed that Wellalage is a part of the playing XI as he noted that the team was going ahead with the same playing XI. A one-minute silence was observed before the toss to pay respects to his late father. Additionally, the Sri Lankan teams will be sporting black armbands.
The news about his father’s passing away was broken to him by team manager and coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who was seen consoling the youngster as he quietly left the stadium to return home. The left-arm spinner finished the match with figures of 1/49 in his four overs, including the 32-run final over where he was hit for five sixes by Mohammad Nabi. It was only his 5th T20I, and his first game of Asia Cup 2025.
Visuals on social media showed a mature Wellalage taking the blessings of the elders in his family before departing to Dubai after paying last respects to his late father.
“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,” SLC had said on Friday in a statement.
Sri Lanka playing XI vs BAN
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
