They say every win should feel sweet, but sometimes, life has other plans. Just as Sri Lanka celebrated a triumphant performance in the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in the Asia Cup, one young man had the world come crashing down. While his teammates smiled, hugged, and high-fived, Dunith Wellallage’s father was the only thing on his mind, and for heartbreaking reasons.

A Sudden Goodbye Mid-Tournament

Not long after the final ball was bowled, Dunith Wellallage was pulled aside by coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager. It wasn’t for a debrief or a pep talk; it was to deliver news no one ever wants to hear. Dunith Wellallage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, had passed away suddenly from a heart attack, aged just 54. The young all-rounder, only 22, had just played in one of the most high-pressure games of his career, only to be met with the cruel reality of personal loss moments later.

The moment when Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith’s father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54.🥲
video credits- Dhanushka pic.twitter.com/P01nFFWlVW

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18, 2025

Suranga wasn’t just “someone’s dad,” either. He had cricketing blood of his own. A former school-level star, he captained Prince of Wales College while former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russell Arnold captained St Peter’s. A proud cricketing father watching his son shine on the big stage, and tragically, it would be the last time he ever did.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Highlights

Now, let’s not forget what went down in the actual Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in the Asia Cup because cricket fans got a full buffet of drama. The stakes were sky-high, as this was a do-or-die clash for a spot in the Asia Cup Super 4. And from ball one, it was clear neither team was in the mood to play it safe.

Sri Lanka had their plans sorted: take early wickets, restrict Afghanistan, and chase smart. Nuwan Thushara did exactly that; his 4-for-18 spell tore through the Afghan top order like a hot knife through butter. But then came the twist: Mohammad Nabi unleashed chaos in the final two overs.

Mr. President! Just WOWWW! 👏👏@MohammadNabi007 has set the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Fire and brought up a cracking half-century against Sri Lanka, the joint quickest in T20Is for Afghanistan off just 20 deliveries. 👊👏#AfghanAtalan | #AsiaCup2025 |… pic.twitter.com/PBCS0yULlw

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 18, 2025

Afghanistan had limped their way to 120-odd after 18 overs, but what followed was utterly bonkers. First, 17 runs off Chameera in the penultimate over. Then, disaster for Dunith Wellallage, who bowled the last over. Nabi, in no mood for mercy, smashed him for five sixes. Yes, five, sending 32 runs flying in all directions. Poor Dunith went from respectable figures to 49 runs in four overs, all in one horrifying blur.

Calm, Collected, and Kusal

Despite the carnage at the end, Sri Lanka had only 170 to chase. Enter Kusal Mendis, ice in his veins. His unbeaten 74 off 52 was the kind of innings that doesn’t scream for attention but wins matches. With wickets falling around him, Kusal stitched partnerships calmly, 22 here, 25 there, just enough to keep the scoreboard ticking.

When the ask was 48 off the last 5 overs, nerves began to creep in. But Kamindu Mendis joined the party and launched two timely sixes that put the game back in Sri Lanka’s pocket. They crossed the finish line with 8 balls and 6 wickets to spare, sealing their ticket to the Asia Cup Super 4 in style.

Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father.
Stay strong Brother pic.twitter.com/d6YF2BhlnV

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 18, 2025

A Mixed Bag of Memories

It’s unfair, in a way. Dunith Wellallage should’ve been celebrating qualification for the Asia Cup Super 4, not mourning the loss of Dunith Wellallage’s father. His final over might’ve been costly, but that’s just cricket. What happened off the pitch was far more real, far more permanent.

RIP 🕊️🙏
Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, has sadly passed away following a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/48LcvHgH5o

— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) September 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s late surge wasn’t enough to save their campaign. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, and Nabi’s 60 off 22 will go down as one of the great cameos, but Sri Lanka simply outclassed them when it mattered. Kusal Mendis’ calm head, Thushara’s early strikes, and even the fielding unit clicking together all painted the picture of a side hungry for another Asia Cup crown.

Final Words

Sri Lanka now head into the Asia Cup Super 4 with their confidence sky-high, but also with a bit of emotional weight. Cricketing families are close-knit, and when one of their own suffers, the whole unit feels it. If anything, this tragedy might bring the squad even closer. Whether or not Dunith Wellallage returns for the next game, his presence will be felt. He played his heart out despite a storm brewing back home. And that alone tells you everything you need to know about the man, and the kind of cricketer his father, Suranga, must’ve raised.