Tag: Dunith Wellalage

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage has shared a heartfelt message on social media following the passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

The former first-class cricketer passed away last week during Sri Lanka’s group-stage match against Afghanistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

The 22-year-old all-rounder took to Instagram and expressed his grief while extending gratitude to everyone who supported him through the tragedy.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me and my family during the most painful time of my life, after the passing of my beloved father,” Wellalage wrote.

“Losing him has left a void that can never be filled, but the love, strength, and support I received gave me the courage to keep moving forward.”

 

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A post shared by Dunith Wellalage (@dunith_08)

He especially thanked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), his sponsors, law enforcement authorities, medical staff, as well as his former schools and clubs for standing by his family.

“My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, CDB Bank, Munchee, Moratuwa Police, Panadura Hospital, Colts Cricket Club, St. Sebastian College, St. Joseph’s College, and Prince of Wales’ College Old Boys’ Association for being there for me and my family,” he said.

He also acknowledged the guidance of former players, coaches, and national teammates, mentioning Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahinda Halangoda, and Charith Asalanka, among others.

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“A special thank you to Sanath Sir, Mahinda Halangoda Sir, and the entire national coaching staff, as well as Charith Aiya and my brothers in the Sri Lanka National Team. Your presence, kindness, and guidance meant more to me than words can ever express,” he added.

Above all, Wellalage reserved his deepest gratitude for the people of Sri Lanka. “Your prayers, messages, and unconditional support reminded me that I am never alone,” he added.

The young spinner vowed to continue chasing his cricketing dreams to fulfill his father’s wish. “My father’s dream was for me to continue this journey, and with all of you beside me, I will do everything I can to honor him,” he said.

After attending his father’s funeral, Dunith Wellalage rejoined the national squad for their Super Four fixture against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka lost.

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Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage is set to rejoin the team on Saturday morning ahead of their Super Four clash against Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 after going back home following the death of his father. 

The 22-year-old returned home after hearing about his father, Suranga Wellalage’s, sudden passing.

Wellalage discovered his father’s death only after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets and with eight balls to spare, allowing them to qualify for the Super Four round.

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

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed his availability for selection ahead of their first match in the Super Fours of the continental tournament. The Islanders will play Bangladesh tomorrow evening in Dubai.

“Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning,” the board said in a statement.

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“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,” it added.

The all-rounder is accompanied by team manager Mahina Halangode, who traveled back home with him on Thursday night.

For context, 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.

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.

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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

COLOMBO: Dunith Wellalage demonstrated excellent spin bowling skills to lead Sri Lanka to a dominant 110-run victory over India in the third ODI at R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 victory in the three-match series, marking their first ODI series win against India since 1997.

After opting to bat first, the hosts posted a fighting 248-7 on a spinning track pitch courtesy of Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis’ half-centuries.

Pathum Nissanka also played a good hand, scoring 45 runs during an 89-run opening stand with Fernando.

Axar Patel provided the first breakthrough before Fernando and Mendis added 82 runs for the third wicket.

Fernando played a stellar knock of 96 runs from 102 balls but missed out on his fourth ODI century when debutant Riyan Parag sent him back to the pavillion.

Mendis held on to one end while wickets kept falling on the other end before Kamindu Mendis joined him and they stitched a crucial partnership of 36 runs to help Sri Lanka score 248-7 in 50 overs.

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Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten at 23 off 19, while Kusal Mendis got out in the 49th over after scoring 59 runs.

Parag returned with bowling figures of 3-54, while Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one wicket each.

Indian batters could not pose much threat to Sri Lankan spinners as they bundled for a meagre 138 in 26.1 overs

Rohit Sharma gave a solid start with a 20-ball 35 before he became the first scalp of Dunith Wellalage. The young spinner also removed Virat Kohli, who scored 20 off 18, to reduce India to 71-4.

The next over saw Axar Patel (2) and Shreyas Iyer (8) also falling prey to Wellalage, leaving India struggling.

India failed to recover from this and slipped to 101-8. Washington Sundar played a valuable cameo, scoring 30 runs, but Maheesh Theekshana ended his knock, while Wellalage wrapped up the innings in the next over.

Dunith Wellalage led the bowling attack with 5-27, while Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay managed two wickets each.

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