Overview

• Team officials said Suranga Wellalage, 54, died of a heart attack in Colombo on September 18 while his son was playing against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
• Dunith Wellalage learned the news post-match from team management, with broadcast footage showing head coach Sanath Jayasuriya consoling him and commentator Russell Arnold noting Suranga’s school‑cricket pedigree.
• Within hours Wellalage flew home; most outlets report he is unlikely to face Bangladesh, though at least one late report says he could rejoin the squad on Saturday morning.
• In the game, Mohammad Nabi struck five sixes in Wellalage’s final over as the spinner finished with 1 for 49, but Sri Lanka still won by six wickets to reach the Super Four.
• Condolences poured in from across cricket, including messages from Lasith Malinga and Nabi, as Sri Lanka prepare for Super Four fixtures against Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.