Thursday night in Abu Dhabi was meant to be a night of celebration for Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka. His team was undefeated in the Asia Cup group stage and qualified for the next stage after defeating Afghanistan by six wickets. However, the 22-year-old spinner’s world completely changed within minutes of the post-match rites. Earlier in the day, Wellalage received word that his father, Suranga Wellalage, had died in Colombo.
The news 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.
A moment that leaves everyone in shock
Wellalage had no inkling of the tragedy while on the field. Instead, he was battling through a tough outing with the ball. He conceded 49 runs in his four overs, including a punishing final over where Mohammad Nabi struck five sixes. Afghanistan’s all-rounder went on to score a breathtaking 60 off 22 balls and only later learnt of Wellalage’s loss from journalists outside the venue.
Nabi, visibly shaken, expressed his condolences, saying he was stunned that the Sri Lankan spinner had played the match without knowing what had happened back home.
For Sri Lanka, Wellalage has already emerged as one of the brightest young prospects. His ODI exploits against India, including a career-best 5/27 in Colombo. In the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 10 dismissals at an average of 17.90.
Thursday’s clash against Afghanistan was his fifth T20I and first appearance in this year’s Asia Cup after he replaced Maheesh Theekshana in the starting XI. Meanwhile, the night belonged to Kusal Mendis, who struck an unbeaten 74 to guide the chase. Sri Lanka’s qualification to the Super Four has set up key fixtures against Bangladesh (Sept 20), Pakistan (Sept 23), and India (Sept 26). But Wellalage’s availability for the remainder of the tournament is now uncertain.
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