Dunith Wellalage to Rejoin Sri Lanka Squad After Father's Passing; Set for Super Four Clash

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage will return to the national squad on Saturday after briefly leaving the Asia Cup side to be with his family following the death of his father, Suranga. The 22-year-old flew back to Colombo on Thursday night after learning of his father’s passing, which occurred due to a heart attack while Wellalage was playing a Group B match against Afghanistan. Suranga was 54. Wellalage will now travel back to the UAE on Friday night, accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangode, and will be available for selection in Sri Lanka’s opening Super Four clash against Bangladesh. The young left-arm spinner bowled four overs in the Afghanistan match, claiming the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran in what was only his fifth T20I. Sri Lanka went on to secure a six-wicket win, driven by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74. The news of Suranga Wellalage’s demise drew messages of support from across the cricket community. Former captain Lasith Malinga wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time.” Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi also extended solidarity, posting, “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother.” Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who informed Wellalage of the tragedy after the Afghanistan game, also paid tribute in a Facebook post. “Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, his love for the game, and his spirit live on through you,” he wrote, adding that he would continue to stand by the youngster. Sri Lanka face Bangladesh on Saturday, followed by Super Four fixtures against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26. His inclusion in the squad will be a welcome addition for the remainder of Sri Lanka's games, given the initial doubt regarding his participation after news of his father's demise came out.