Ahead of match No. 1 of the 2025 Asia Cup’s Super-Four stage, Sri Lankan players demonstrated a remarkable sense of togetherness by wearing black armbands and holding a minute of silence to honour Dunith Wellalage’s late father, Suranga. A one-minute silence was observed before the national anthem to remember Suranga, who died during Sri Lanka’s encounter with Afghanistan on Thursday, September 18.
Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to begin the Super-Four stage of the continental competition. Wellalage has received tremendous support from the cricket community during this tough time of his life.
The spin-bowling all-rounder left the Sri Lankan camp to attend his father’s funeral before rejoining the squad on Friday. He has been picked to the playing XI for the critical match against Bangladesh.
Wellalage has played 31 One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals for Sri Lanka. The match against Afghanistan marked his first appearance in the 2025 Asia Cup.
Bangladesh peg Sri Lankan back with wickets
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.
India
