Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lankan players wear black armbands, observe one-minute silence as tribute to Dunith Wellalage's late father vs Bangladesh

Published - 20 Sept 2025, 21:22 IST | Updated - 20 Sept 2025, 21:22 IST

Ahead of match No. 1 of the Super-Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan players showed a commendable spirit of solidarity as they wore black armbands and observed a minute of silence to pay homage to Dunith Wellalage's late father, Suranga. The one-minute silence was observed before the national anthem to honour Suranga, who passed away during Sri Lanka's clash against Afghanistan on Thursday, September 18.

Sri Lanka are facing Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to kick-start the Super-Four stage of the continental competition. Wellalage has received immense support from the cricket fraternity during this difficult phase of his life.

The spin-bowling all-rounder left the Sri Lankan camp and attended his father's funeral before rejoining the team on Friday. He has been named in the playing XI for the important game against Bangladesh.

Wellalage has played 31 ODIs and five T20Is for Sri Lanka. The match against Afghanistan was his maiden appearance in the 2025 Asia Cup.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got the 2022 champions off to a flying start, adding 44 runs inside five overs. However, the former was dismissed for a 15-ball 22.

Kusal Mendis looked in sublime touch, scoring 34 off 25 balls, but his innings was cut short by Mahedi Hasan. Kamil Mishara only managed five runs off 11 deliveries. Kusal Perera, on the other hand, departed for a run-a-ball 16.

The onus is only on Dasun Shanaka and captain Charith Asalanka to take Sri Lanka to a big score. They are placed at 115/4 at the end of 15 overs. Shanaka has raced away to 35 off just 21 balls, while Asalanka is just getting started.

Sri Lanka still have a lot of batting left in the tank, with the likes of Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dunith Wellalage waiting to come in.