Wellalage to rejoin Sri Lanka squad for Super 4 clash against Bangladesh a day after father’s death

Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has made himself available for selection for today's Asia Cup T20 Super Four clash against Bangladesh, just a day after the tragic passing of his father.

The 22-year-old returned home to Colombo on Thursday after learning of his father Suranga Wellalage's sudden death from a heart attack. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Wellalage will rejoin the squad in the UAE ahead of their Super Four campaign.

"Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. He will travel to the UAE tonight accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode. Sri Lanka will begin its Super Four stage campaign of the ongoing tournament tomorrow against Bangladesh in the UAE. Wellalage will be available for selection for the game," SLC said in a statement on Saturday.

Wellalage had featured in Sri Lanka's six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their final Group B fixture in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. He returned figures of 1-49 in his four overs, dismissing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. After conceding only 17 runs in his first three overs, he was taken apart by Mohammad Nabi in the final over, who struck him for five sixes.

Tragically, Wellalage's father passed away during the match. The 22-year-old was informed of the news only after the game by team manager Mahinda Halangode and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka successfully chased down Afghanistan's 170-run target in 18.4 overs, with the team dedicating the victory to Wellalage. Messages of support have since poured in from across the cricketing community for the all-rounder, who now faces the difficult task of balancing personal grief with professional duty as Sri Lanka begin the Super Four stage against Bangladesh in Dubai.