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Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, died in Colombo, reportedly due to a heart attack.

The 22-year-old is currently representing Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which is held in the United Arab Emirates.

Dunith was playing the match against Afghanistan when he heard the news of his father’s passing.

Surranga Wellalage was also a former cricketer who had led Sri Lanka’s leading school teams.

Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold announced the news on air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan in their last group-stage match on Thursday.

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter’s,” Arnold said while commentating.

“Quite sad to hear that. The news has been broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences with the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” he added.

Dunith Wellalage is considered one of Sri Lanka’s emerging talents. However, he did not have the best of the outings in the game against Afghanistan. He remained expensive and conceded 49 runs and took one wicket in his quota of four overs.

Afghanistan were reeling at 137-7 in 19 overs. However, Mohammad Nabi tonked Wellalage for five sixes,an over yielding 32 runs, and took his team to a respectable total.

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However, the total was not enough as Sri Lanka chased down the target against a strong Afghanistan bowling lineup with ease in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets in the process.

Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with 74* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 26 off 13 with the aid of two sixes.

Mendis remained pivotal in the victory as he forged string of partnerships to propel Sri Lanka into a winning position.

The victory marked the end of the Afghanistan’s journey in the Asia Cup 2025, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advancing to the Super Fours.

READ: Dejected Rashid rues Afghanistan’s early exit

ABU DHABI: Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed disappointment on his side’s early exit from the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Afghanistan crashed out of the tournament’s group stage fixture after Sri Lanka cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket win here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.

The victory also advanced Bangladesh to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

In the post-match presentation, Rashid hailed Mohammad Nabi, who propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total.

“The way we finished off the innings was so special. We knew one over was there of the spinner and if one proper batter was there, we had a maximum chance of getting a big over,” he said.

Rashid rued poor bowling, stating that he could have bowled much better on a wicket that offered them less spin.

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“We did not bowl as well as we should have, and that is why we did not win. It is pretty hard on a track like that. It is not a typical spinning wicket. Different to Dubai. But still, if you play good cricketing shots, it is possible to chase 170-180,” Rashid Khan elaborated.

The leg-spinner emphasized the team’s performance and mentioned their preparation ahead of the event.

“We had a great chance in the last game, we did not chase 150. That is what happens in T20 cricket. But we have to move forward and not repeat the mistakes.

Last three years, we have played a lot of ICC events and Asia Cups. We had great preparation for each, but I was expecting a lot more from the boys. Was not expecting to be eliminated. We had a semi-final at the last T20 World Cup, and the expectation was to be at least in the next round. We will think about it, analyze, and come back stronger, ” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan team manager visits injured umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge

TOKYO: Pakistan’s Javelin ace Arshad Nadeem shared an emotional message after crashing out from the 2025 World Athletics Championships held here at the Japan National Stadium on Thursday.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott emerged victorious with a gold after sending the Javelin to the season’s best – 88.16m throw in his fourth attempt.

While Grenada’s Anderson Peters bagged silver with his throw of 87.38m in his second attempt, and USA Curtis Thompson took the bronze medal for his throw of 86.67m.

Meanwhile, Arshad Nadeem had two foul throws in his quota of four. He recorded his best throw at 82.75 meters to finish in tenth place.

His arch-rival and the reigning world champion, Neeraj Chopra, also struggled and finished eighth.

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After the final, Arshad Nadeem took to social media, thanking fans for their unwavering support.

 

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“Dear Pakistanis, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and love throughout the World Athletics Championships. Although I couldn’t achieve the result I had hoped for in the final, I am proud to have represented our nation on the biggest stage,” he wrote on X.

“Your prayers, messages, and encouragement mean the world to me. I know I let you all down, but I promise to come back stronger and work even harder to make you proud,” he said.

The 28-year-old admitted that his calf injury, which required surgery in July, hampered his preparation.

For the unversed, Arshad underwent surgery in July due to the injury, initially ruling him out of the key events and halting his preparation for the mega event.

“To be honest, I’ve been dealing with an injury since July 4th, which affected my preparation and fitness level. Despite this challenge, I gave it my all, and I appreciate the experience.

Thank you for believing in me and supporting me on this journey. I will keep pushing myself to achieve greatness, not just for myself, but for our nation. With love and gratitude, Arshad Nadeem,” he concluded.

READ: Neeraj Chopra also fails to bag medal in World Athletics Championship

DHAKA: Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim is set to etch his name into the history books as he approaches a remarkable milestone— becoming the first player from his nation to play 100 Test matches.

Mushfiqur is expected to reach the landmark in the second Test against Ireland, scheduled to begin on November 19 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The first Test of the two-match series will be held in Sylhet from November 11.

This comes after Cricket Ireland agreed to play two Tests. Earlier, Ireland had preferred to play a One-Day International (ODI) series instead of a second Test.

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Currently on 98 Tests, Mushfiqur Rahim made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2005 at Lord’s – the home of cricket.

The wicket-keeper batter holds several records for Bangladesh, including the most runs in Tests (6328) and the highest individual score (219) against Zimbabwe.

Overall, the batter has represented Bangladesh in 98 Tests, 274 ODIs, and 102 T20Is.

The Ireland series will also mark the start of an action-packed home season for the Tigers.

Following the conclusion of the Ireland tour, the West Indies will tour Bangladesh for six-white ball matches in October. The series will begin with ODIs on October 18, 20, and 23 and conclude with a T20I series on October 27, 30, and November 1.

Bangladesh’s 2025–26 home season will also feature a full series against Pakistan, comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in March–April.

Later on, New Zealand will also tour Bangladesh as per the Future Tour Programme (FTP).

READ: Pakistan team manager visits injured umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge

ABU DHABI: Kusal Mendis’ gutsy half-century propelled Sri Lanka, alongside Bangladesh, into the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours as Afghanistan crashed out.

Set 170, Sri Lanka cruised to a victory in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets in the process.

Mendis anchored the innings with 74* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 26 off 13 with the aid of two sixes.

The chase started on a shaky note as Sri Lanka lost their inform opener Pathum Nissanka (6) in the second over. Despite the wicket, the Islanders continued on to score briskly.

Afghanistan got their second breakthrough in the last over of the powerplay in the form of Kamil Mishara, who departed after scoring four from 10 balls.

At this stage, Sri Lanka were 47-2 in 5.2 overs. Meanwhile, Mendis held one end firm and forged two crucial stands. First, he partnered with Kusal Perera for a 45-run partnership and then with skipper Charith Asalanka for a brief 27-run partnership.

Perera and Charith made 28 and 17 runs respectively, which powered them into a strong position.

For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad picked up one wicket each.

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Earlier, Mohammad Nabi’s counterattacking half-century lifted his side to a respectable total.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 169-8 in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Afghanistan’s openers were off to a flyer, posting 26 runs on the board in 2.1 overs. However, Thushara had other plans, who ripped through the top order with excellent bowling.

He first removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 14 from eight, and then Karim Janat (1) in a span of five balls to rock Afghanistan.

As a result, Afghanistan were reduced to 32-2 in three overs.

Thushara continued on, and in the fourth over, he removed Sediqullah Atal to put Sri Lanka in the driving seat. Atal was castled after making 18 from 14 with the aid of two fours and a six.

Sri Lanka continued to mount pressure with excellent bowling and regular wickets, which left Afghanistan reeling at one stage for 114-7 in 17.1 overs.

However, it was Nabi’s blinder – 60 from just 22 balls, which powered them to an above-par score. First, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmanta Chameera came in Nabi’s way, whom he belted for three consecutive fours, an over yielding 17 runs.

32-run last over was cheery on top for Afghanistan as the veteran batter belted five gigantic sixes off Dunith Wellalage’s bowling, making it a 32-run over.

For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul for 19 in his four overs.

READ: Mickey Arthur baffled by Babar Azam’s absence from Asia Cup squad

ABU DHABI: Afghanistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. 

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have squared off eight times in the T20I format, with the Islanders heading the record with five wins, followed by the Afghan team with three.

Matches 8, Afghanistan 3, Sri Lanka 5

READ: Mickey Arthur baffled by Babar Azam’s absence from Asia Cup squad

DUBAI: Pakistan cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema on Thursday called on Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge at a Dubai hospital after the official was struck by a ball during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash.

Ruchira, hailing from Sri Lanka, was struck on the head during the Pakistan-UAE clash on Wednesday, September 17.

The incident happened on the last ball of the sixth over of UAE’s innings when Pakistan’s Saim Ayub threw the ball back to the bowler, unfortunately, it hit one of the on-field umpires, Richard Palliyaguruge.

Following this, the umpire looked in utter discomfort and walked off the field after the physio’s attention.

Naveed Akram Cheema presented a bouquet to the Sri Lankan umpire on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi.

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During his visit, the team manager inquired about the well-being of umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and expressed his best wishes for his recovery.

On this occasion, Palliguruge expressed his gratitude and praised the Pakistan team and people.

“Pakistan has always received love from the team and the people,” he said.

For context, Pakistan outplayed UAE in the 10th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. Green Shirts secured a 41-run victory, which advanced them to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

Pakistan will once again face arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21,  having previously played them in the group stage fixture.

READ: Neeraj Chopra also fails to bag medal in World Athletics Championship

TOKYO: Defending champion Neeraj Chopra joined Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem in crashing out of the World Athletics Championship at the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday, as both failed to reach the podium.

Chopra started brightly, throwing 83.65m on his first attempt and improving to 84.03m on his second.

However, his rhythm faltered thereafter as his third throw was ruled invalid, while his fourth landed at a modest 82.86m, and his fifth was another foul.

The Indian star ultimately finished eighth, missing out on a medal.

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Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, meanwhile, endured an equally tough outing. He managed 82.73m with his opening throw and slightly bettered it to 82.75m on his third attempt after a foul in between.

Another foul in his fourth sealed his exit, as the distance fell short of the qualifying mark for the latter stages.

The final podium saw Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott clinch gold, Grenada’s Anderson Peters secure silver, and the United States’ Curtis Thompson bag bronze.

Earlier in the qualifiers, Arshad Nadeem had kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with an 85.28m throw on his third attempt after struggling with 76.99m and 74.17m in his first two. However, he was unable to replicate that form in the decisive round.

READ: Arshad Nadeem crashes out of World Athletics Championship

TOKYO: Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has crashed out of the World Athletics Championships at the Japan National Stadium here on Wednesday after failing to cross the qualification mark in the final round.

Arshad opened with a throw of 82.73m, followed by a foul on his second attempt, and managed only a slight improvement to 82.75m on his third.

In his fourth attempt, he made another foul, causing him to crash out of the competition, as the effort was insufficient to secure a place among the finalists.

Nadeem failed to qualify for the top eight, which was necessary for three additional attempts in the final, ultimately eliminating his chances for a medal.

Meanwhile, his arch-rival and defending champion Neeraj Chopra began strongly, landing 83.65m with his first throw and extending it to 84.03m on his second. Although his third attempt was ruled invalid, Chopra comfortably advanced to the next stage.

Earlier in the qualifiers, Arshad Nadeem had kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with an 85.28m throw on his third attempt after struggling with 76.99m and 74.17m in his first two. However, he was unable to replicate that form in the decisive round.

Group B was headlined by Paris Olympics bronze medallist Anderson Peters, who sealed his place in the final with a massive 89.53m throw.

From Group A, Chopra, Julien Weber, and Dawid Wegener also booked their spots with consistent performances.

READ: Mickey Arthur baffled by Babar Azam’s absence from Asia Cup squad

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has voiced his astonishment over the absence of star batter Babar Azam from the national T20I side during the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Babar, currently the second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, has not featured in the format since Pakistan’s three-match away series against South Africa in December last year.

Despite his stature and experience, the selectors opted against recalling him for the Asia Cup, signalling their intent to build a younger core ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Arthur, who guided Pakistan to Champions Trophy glory in 2017, openly criticised the move on social media after the Green Shirts’ batting struggles against the UAE on Wednesday.

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“How Babar is not in this batting line up is totally beyond me!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In their crucial group-stage clash against the UAE, Pakistan managed only 146-9 before their bowlers secured a 41-run win to seal Super Four qualification.

The batting frailties, however, have been a recurring theme. Pakistan’s highest total so far, 160/7 against Oman, relied heavily on Mohammad Haris’s late counterattack after yet another middle-order wobble.

Against India, their batting shortcomings were exposed further, collapsing to 127/9 in 20 overs in a one-sided defeat.

READ: Brisbane Heat hails Shaheen Afridi’s all-round brilliance in Asia Cup