Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that young left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage will rejoin the national squad on Saturday morning ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four opener against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Wellalage had rushed back home on Thursday following the sudden passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage. The 22-year-old received the tragic news shortly after Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory over Afghanistan — a win that sealed their Super Four berth alongside Bangladesh.
With Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh in the first Super Four clash, there had been doubts over his immediate availability. However, SLC clarified on Friday that the youngster will travel back to the UAE tonight, accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode.
“Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning,” SLC said in a statement.
His presence will come as a major boost for Sri Lanka, who rely on his wicket-taking ability and middle-overs control. Wellalage’s resilience, choosing to return so soon after a personal tragedy, has also drawn admiration from fans and teammates alike.
Sri Lanka will kick off their Super Four campaign against Bangladesh on September 20 in Dubai, followed by high-voltage clashes against Pakistan (Sept 23) and India (Sept 26).
