Wellalage displays act of national pride and courage in times of tragedy

It was more than just a game for Dunith Wellalage.

The Sri Lankan left-arm spinner made himself available for their crucial Super Four game against Bangladesh following the demise of his father, Suranga Wellalage, on Thursday, September 18.

Wellalage, the eldest of three children, returned to Dubai on Saturday morning from home after being with his family for a night.

His father passed away while Dunith was playing against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The 22-year-old only learned of his father's death after the match.

A senior Sri Lankan journalist attending the game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dubai on Saturday said Wellalage's father collapsed during the match. It was an extremely difficult night for Wellalage, who gave away 32 runs in his last over against Afghanistan when he came under the wrath of Mohammad Nabi. But his personal loss off his father made it even tougher.

There was huge speculation whether Wellalage would return to Dubai to make himself available for their game against Bangladesh as he was going through a huge family crisis.

The young lad showed his composure but let his emotions out when a minute of silence was observed in the stadium for his father.

While Wellalage failed to shine in his maiden Asia Cup appearance against Afghanistan after taking 1 for 49, Sri Lanka cruised to victory with six wickets and eight balls remaining to qualify for the Super Fours.

Wellalage returning was a display of national pride. Even a Sri Lanka Cricket board official called the spinner a "very strong guy." His father is due to be cremated at the Rawathawatta General Cemetery on September 21, proving the mental strength of the youngster.

"He (Dunith) is mentally very strong guy and wanted to return," said an official working closely with SLC on Saturday. "His father pushed him to be a cricketer and that probably played in his mind to take the decision of returning back and playing for his country and he carried him quite well.

"Naturally when someone goes through such a crisis, it will have an impact on his mind but he never looked broken at any point," he added.

Dunith, who did not face any delivery while coming to bat in the last over, had a tough time with the ball against Bangladesh as he gave 36 runs in his four overs without taking any wickets.

However, it hardly mattered considering the amount of courage he showed and was widely respected by the people of his country and across the cricketing world.

Kumar Dharmasena, former national cricketer and elite panel cricket umpire for ICC, in his Facebook post backed him for his commitment.

"No matter what happens on the field, we stand with Dunith. He is not just another player – he is a young lion carrying the hopes of an entire nation, the dreams of his late father, and the responsibility of wearing our flag with pride," he stated.

"At such a young age, he shoulders a weight far heavier than most of us can imagine. And in moments like these, he doesn't just need applause when he shines – he needs us to stand by him when the journey feels tough.

"As Sri Lankans, let's be more than just spectators. Let's be his fathers who guide him with wisdom, his brothers who protect him with strength, and his friends who remind him that he's never alone," he said.

"Today, let's circle around Dunith with love, encouragement, and unwavering belief. Because when he steps onto that field, he carries not only a bat – he carries all of us. Together, we rise. Together, we fight. Together, we stand with Dunith," he added.