Sri Lanka Pay Emotional Tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s Father Ahead of Asia Cup Super Four Clash
Before the start of the first Super Four match of the 2025 Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan team paid tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s late father, Suranga. The players wore black armbands and stood in silence for a minute before the national anthem to honour his memory.
Sri Lanka honour Dunith Wellalage’s late father before Super Four clash
Suranga had sadly passed away on Thursday, September 18, while Sri Lanka was playing against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka are facing Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to kick-start the Super-Four stage of the continental competition. Wellalage has received immense support from the cricket fraternity during this difficult phase of his life.
Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling all-rounder briefly left the squad to attend his father’s funeral, before rejoining the team on Friday. He has now been included in the playing XI for the crucial clash against Bangladesh. Wellalage has played 31 ODIs and five T20Is for Sri Lanka. The match against Afghanistan was his maiden appearance in the 2025 Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka steady after early setbacks in Super Four clash against Bangladesh
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das won the toss and chose to bowl first. For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave their team a quick start, putting up 44 runs in the first five overs. But Nissanka’s stay was cut short as he fell after scoring 22 runs off 15 balls.
Kusal Mendis looked in sublime touch, scoring 34 off 25 balls, but his innings was cut short by Mahedi Hasan. Kamil Mishara only managed five runs off 11 deliveries. Kusal Perera, on the other hand, departed for a run-a-ball 16.
Sri Lanka’s hopes now rest on Dasun Shanaka and skipper Charith Asalanka to put up a big total. At the end of 15 overs, they are 115 for 4. Shanaka is going strong with 35 runs from 21 balls, while Asalanka is still settling in. Sri Lanka still have a lot of batting left in the tank, with the likes of Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dunith Wellalage waiting to come in.