Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage learns of father’s death after Asia Cup win over Afghanistan, leaves for home
Dunith Wellalage is a cricketer for Sri Lanka. He found out about his father's passing after the Asia Cup Group B match against Afghanistan.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 19: Spinner Dunith Wellalage experienced mixed emotions as Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan in their last Asia Cup Group B encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. After the game finished, he received word of his father Suranga Wellalage's passing.
Sanath Jayasuriya comforts young spinner after tragic news
The team manager and coach Sanath Jayasuriya told the 22-year-old that his father had died of a heart attack. He was hit for five sixes in an over by Mohammad Nabi during the match. New images of the former Sri Lanka opening batsman comforting Wellalage by putting his hand around his shoulder have gone viral on the internet.
According to sources, the player left for home shortly after the game. This raises questions over his continued involvement in the competition. Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.
Russell Arnold confirms loss
Russell Arnold confirms the news live. He states that Suranga was a well-respected cricket player who led the Prince of Wales College.
Arnold says, “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.”
He also adds, “Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to 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.”
Wellalage rough day at field
Wellalage had a rough day at the field. He gave up 49 runs in his four overs. Nabi hit him for five sixes in the last over of Afghanistan's innings. It cost him 32 runs.
Afghanistan ended up scoring a decent 169/8 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka had to chase the target down with eight balls remaining and six wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka advance to Super 4s
The Charith Asalanka-led team have reached the Super 4s with Bangladesh from Group B after defeating Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.
