Overview

• The left-arm spinner was named in Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the Super Four match against Bangladesh in Dubai after flying back on the morning of September 20.
• He had learned of his father Suranga’s death after the Afghanistan game, flew home for the last rites, then rejoined the squad in under 48 hours.
• Reports stated Suranga, 54, suffered a heart attack while watching the Afghanistan match.
• Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya publicly offered condolences, as a widely shared video showed Wellalage bidding farewell to family before departing for the UAE.
• A one-minute silence was observed before the match, with Sri Lanka’s players wearing black armbands as a tribute.