Sri Lanka allrounder Dunith Wellalage has rejoined the national squad in the UAE following the death of his father, Suranga Wellalage, last Thursday. The 22-year-old returned home immediately after Sri Lanka’s Group B victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, where he only learned of his father’s passing once the game concluded. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed he will be available for selection in the Super Four clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on today evening.

Wellalage is being accompanied on his travel by team manager Mahinda Halangode, who had also flown home with him on Thursday night. Despite his personal tragedy, Wellalage’s commitment to the side remains intact as Sri Lanka prepare for a demanding phase of the tournament, with fixtures against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26 to follow.

The left-arm spinner and lower-order batter has been one of Sri Lanka’s brightest prospects in recent years. He announced himself with memorable spells against India, including 5 for 40 in the 2023 Asia Cup and 5 for 27 in Colombo earlier this year, establishing himself as a wicket-taking threat. Saturday’s match against Bangladesh could mark an emotional return for a player carrying both grief and expectation.