Sri Lanka entered the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025 on a high, having won all three of their league stage matches. In the first Super Four encounter, they faced off against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 20th September.
Asia Cup: Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. However, even before the game began, one detail drew significant attention: the Sri Lankan players were wearing black armbands. Many wondered about the reason, which was soon revealed. The gesture was a tribute to the father of all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who sadly passed away on Thursday.
Asia Cup: The news reached Wellalage after Sri Lanka’s final league match against Afghanistan. He promptly returned home to perform the funeral rites but demonstrated remarkable resilience by rejoining the team for the Super Four clash against Bangladesh. Fans applauded his courage, and a moment of silence was observed before the game in memory of his father.
Asia Cup Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Playing XI for Super Four Match 1
Asia Cup Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Asia Cup Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
