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Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage loses father during Asia Cup match

**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 02:25 AM*

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage endured a heartbreaking personal loss on Thursday, September 18, when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack. The tragic news came while Dunith was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Dunith learned of his father’s death after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold confirmed the news on air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan.

Reports from Sri Lankan media indicate that Dunith was informed about Suranga’s passing shortly after the successful chase of 170 runs. A photo shared by journalist Damith Weerasinghe showed the team manager consoling a visibly shaken Dunith by putting an arm around him.

### A Legacy Remembered

Suranga Wellalage was remembered fondly by Russell Arnold, who recalled Suranga as a talented cricketer and captain of one of Sri Lanka’s top school teams, Prince of Wales College. Arnold himself captained St Peter’s College during the same era.

Suranga’s sudden passing has understandably cast a shadow over Dunith’s participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three more games: against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.

### Dunith Wellalage’s International Career

Thursday’s match against Afghanistan marked only Dunith’s fifth T20 International and his first appearance in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. He holds seven T20I wickets at an average of 20.

In the ODI format, Dunith has played 31 matches and taken 39 wickets with an average of 29.10. His best bowling figures in ODIs came in August 2024, when he took 5/27 against India in Colombo. During the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he also made headlines by claiming five wickets for 40 runs against India.

Wellalage has appeared in one Test match but is yet to take a wicket in that format.

### Performance Against Afghanistan

During the match against Afghanistan, Dunith bowled well initially, reducing the opposition to 114/7 in the 17th over. Afghanistan stood at 137/7 after 19 overs, with Rashid Khan dismissed for 24.

However, the final over proved costly as Mohammad Nabi hit Dunith for five sixes, helping Afghanistan score a staggering 32 runs in that over, which included a no-ball and a single run on the last delivery. Afghanistan’s final total was 169/8.

Dunith finished with figures of 1/49 from his four overs, making a valuable contribution to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.

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The cricketing community and fans alike extend their condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family during this difficult time, while supporting him as he continues to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-allrounder-dunith-wellalage-s-father-passes-away/story

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage loses father during Asia Cup match

**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 02:25 AM*

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage endured a heartbreaking personal loss on Thursday, September 18, when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack. The tragic news reached Dunith while he was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Dunith was informed about his father’s demise only after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

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**Confirmation and Reactions**

Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold confirmed the sad news on-air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan. Sri Lankan media reports revealed that Dunith was notified about the passing shortly after the team successfully chased down a target of 170 runs.

A poignant moment was captured by journalist Damith Weerasinghe, who shared a photo showing the Sri Lankan team manager comforting a visibly shaken Dunith, putting an arm around him.

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**Remembering Suranga Wellalage**

Suranga Wellalage’s passing casts a somber shadow over Dunith’s ongoing participation in the Asia Cup. Russell Arnold fondly remembered Suranga as a talented cricketer, highlighting his role as captain of Prince of Wales College — one of Sri Lanka’s premier school teams — during Arnold’s own captaincy tenure at St. Peter’s College.

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**Impact on Asia Cup Participation**

The loss inevitably raises questions about Dunith’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.

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**Dunith Wellalage’s International Career**

Thursday’s match against Afghanistan marked only Dunith’s fifth T20 International and his first outing in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. He currently holds 7 T20I wickets at an average of 20.00.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Dunith has featured in 31 matches. His standout performance includes best bowling figures of 5/27 during the third ODI against India in Colombo in August 2024. He has claimed 39 ODI wickets at an average of 29.10 overall. Notably, during the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he took five wickets for 40 runs against India. Dunith has also played in one Test match, though he did not take any wickets in that format.

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**Performance Against Afghanistan**

In the match versus Afghanistan, Dunith conceded 32 runs in the 20th over. Afghanistan’s innings was struggling at 114/7 by the 17th over following the dismissal of Rashid Khan for 24 runs. They moved to 137/7 in the 19th over.

However, Afghan batsman Mohammad Nabi launched an onslaught in the final over, hitting five sixes off Wellalage’s bowling. The final over yielded a massive 32 runs, which included a no-ball and a single on the last delivery, bringing Afghanistan’s total to 169/8.

Despite the expensive final over, Dunith delivered a generally steady bowling performance, finishing with figures of 1/49 from his 4 overs.

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Sri Lanka’s journey in the Asia Cup continues amid emotional challenges for Dunith Wellalage. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his strength and success in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-allrounder-dunith-wellalage-s-father-passes-away/story

Afghanistan eliminated from Asia Cup after Sri Lanka defeat: Stats

**Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Qualify for Super 4; Group B Sees Exciting Performances**

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured their places in the Super 4 stage of the tournament, with Sri Lanka winning all three of their matches to top Group B. Bangladesh, who were eagerly awaiting this result, join Sri Lanka at the expense of Afghanistan, who have been eliminated. Earlier, Hong Kong was also ousted from the competition.

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### Afghanistan’s Thrilling Final Over Powered by Nabi

Afghanistan’s innings saw wickets tumbling at regular intervals, reducing them to a precarious 114/7 in the 17th over following Rashid Khan’s dismissal for 24 runs. However, a spectacular final over from Mohammad Nabi turned the tide, as he blasted Dunith Wellalage for five sixes, scoring a massive 32 runs—including a no-ball and a single on the last delivery.

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### Nabi Equals Afghanistan’s Fastest T20I Fifty Record

Nabi completed his half-century in just 20 balls, matching Azmatullah Omarzai’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter. He was eventually run out for 60 off 22 balls, which included three fours and six sixes. Nabi’s quickfire 55-run partnership with Noor Ahmad for the eighth wicket also added lively momentum, with Noor scoring 48 off just 14 balls.

**Fastest T20I fifties for Afghanistan (by balls faced):**
– 20 balls – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 20 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 21 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Ireland, Greater Noida, 2017
– 21 balls – Gulbadin Naib vs India, Bengaluru, 2024

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### Nabi Achieves Another Milestone

According to Cricbuzz, Mohammad Nabi is just the third player from a Full Member nation to score a 50-plus in Men’s T20 Internationals after turning 40 years old. The list includes:

– Chris Gayle (41 years 294 days): 67 vs Australia, Gros Islet, 2021
– Mohammad Nabi (40 years 260 days): 60 vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– Mohammad Hafeez (40 years 64 days): 99* vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2020

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### Nabi’s Career Highlights and Records

Playing his 139th T20I match, Nabi has amassed 2,357 runs from 130 innings at an average of 22.44, with this innings marking his seventh T20I fifty and first against Sri Lanka. He has hit 117 sixes according to ESPNcricinfo. In overall T20 cricket, Nabi has crossed 6,500 runs, totaling 6,516 runs at an average of 21.08 with 18 fifties.

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### Thushara Nuwan Claims Third Four-Wicket Haul in T20Is

Sri Lankan pacer Thushara Nuwan impressed with figures of 4/18, bringing his wicket tally to 35 from 25 T20Is at an average of 18.28. This marked his third four-wicket haul in T20Is and he also has one five-wicket haul to his name.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Thushara has now taken 169 wickets in 127 T20 matches at an average of 19.71, including five four-wicket hauls and two fifers.

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### Notable Bowling Feats by Thushara

– This is Thushara’s second four-wicket haul against Afghanistan; he has 8 wickets at 10.37 in three T20Is versus them.
– He is the second Sri Lankan pacer to take a four-wicket haul in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, following Pramod Madushan’s feat against Pakistan in 2022.

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### Sri Lanka Ace the Chase with a Brilliant Mendis Performance

Kusal Mendis starred with the bat for Sri Lanka, remaining unbeaten on 74 runs from 52 balls, hitting 10 fours. After early wickets fell (Pathum Nissanka for 22 and Kamil Mishara for 47/2), Mendis steadied the innings. He shared a 45-run partnership with Kusal Perera for the third wicket and a further 27 runs with Charith Asalanka.

Kamindu Mendis contributed an unbeaten 26, ending with a 52* run partnership alongside Mendis.

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### Mendis Surpasses 5,000 Runs in T20 Cricket

With his stellar innings, Kusal Mendis passed the milestone of 5,000 runs in men’s T20 cricket, becoming the fifth Sri Lankan to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group including Kumar Sangakkara (6,937 runs), Mahela Jayawardene (5,479 runs), Tillakaratne Dilshan (5,193 runs), and Dinesh Chandimal (5,131 runs).

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### Mendis’ Career Batting Stats

Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74* has taken his career T20 runs to 5,067 at an average of 30.16, including 35 fifties and 2 centuries. In T20 Internationals specifically, he has scored 2,164 runs for Sri Lanka in 90 innings at 26.07, hitting 17 fifties.

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### Mohammad Nabi Shines with the Ball

Aside from his batting heroics, Nabi was also Afghanistan’s pick of the bowlers, delivering 3 overs for 1/20. The seasoned campaigner has now picked up 102 wickets in T20 Internationals at an average of 27.86 from 139 matches and 128 innings.

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**In summary, the Super 4 stage will feature some of the tournament’s best talents, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advancing from Group B. Standout performances from players like Mohammad Nabi and Kusal Mendis have set the tone for an exciting remainder of the tournament.**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-asia-cup-t20-report-and-stats/story

Leicestershire crowned County Championship Division Two champions after Kent washout

Leicestershire Crowned County Championship Division Two Champions After Kent Washout

By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025 | 06:19 pm

Leicestershire have been crowned Division Two champions in the Rothesay County Championship, despite their final match against Kent being abandoned due to rain. Early morning showers left the outfield at Uptonsteel County Ground too wet for play, prompting umpires Hassan Adnan and Simon Widdup to call off any possibility of resuming the game after multiple inspections.

Title Secured: Promotion to Division One After 22 Years

Although the match was washed out, Leicestershire’s commanding 25-point lead entering the last two rounds of County games confirmed their promotion as Division Two champions. This success means the team will compete in Division One cricket next season for the first time since 2003.

While the players would have preferred to clinch the title on-field and receive their trophy before their home supporters, they remain proud of their achievement.

Celebrations Despite the Weather

Leicestershire’s players marked their title win with champagne and unveiled a ‘Champions’ board crafted from part of the boundary board. However, veteran seamer Chris Wright—who is retiring at the end of this season—was left disappointed. He had hoped for a farewell match in front of the home crowd but was denied that opportunity due to the weather.

Season Overview: Second Trophy in Three Seasons

This season, Leicestershire experienced several weather-affected draws, with four of their last six matches ending without results. Nevertheless, after winning five of their opening seven matches, they remained favorites to secure the title since late May.

This triumph marks Leicestershire’s second major trophy in three seasons, following their Metro Bank One-Day Cup victory in 2023. It is also their first County Championship title since 1998.

Top Performers for Leicestershire in 2025

Lewis Hill: The team’s top scorer in County Division Two, Hill amassed 877 runs at an average of 48.72, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries from 13 matches (19 innings).
Rehan Ahmed: Ahmed compiled 760 runs at an impressive average of 50.66, including five hundreds and one fifty to date.
Ian Holland: Leading the bowling attack, Holland took 35 wickets from 11 matches at an average of 19.62.

Leicestershire’s remarkable season culminates in their return to Division One, promising exciting cricket ahead.

Follow the celebrations and updates on Twitter with #Champions!

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/leicestershire-win-county-championship-division-two-title/story

Mushfiqur Rahim set to play his 100th Test for Bangladesh

**Mushfiqur Rahim Set to Play His 100th Test for Bangladesh**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 05:35 PM*

Bangladesh’s veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim is poised to achieve a significant milestone in his distinguished career. He is set to play his 100th Test match during the upcoming home series against Ireland. This historic match will be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on November 19.

This announcement comes following confirmation by Cricket Ireland that they will participate in both Tests of the series.

### Milestone Achievement: A First for Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim will become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. Having played 98 Tests so far, the seasoned batsman has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket since making his international debut at the age of 18 in 2005 at Lord’s.

Currently, Rahim is the only Bangladeshi batsman to have scored over 6,000 runs in Test cricket. His unbeaten 219 against Zimbabwe in 2020 remains the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi in the longest format.

### Upcoming Series Lineup

Following the Test series against Ireland, Bangladesh’s cricket calendar remains packed. In October, Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a six-match white-ball series, which includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

– **ODIs:** October 18, 20, and 23
– **T20Is:** October 27, 30, and November 1

In the December-January window, Bangladesh is also expected to host the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) along with home series against Pakistan and New Zealand.

### Impressive Career Stats

Apart from this upcoming Test, Rahim is also set to play his 150th First-Class (FC) match. Over 98 Tests, he has accumulated 6,328 runs at an average of 38.12, including 12 centuries and 27 half-centuries.

In his 149 First-Class matches to date, Rahim has amassed 9,023 runs at an average of 38.23, featuring 18 centuries and 41 fifties.

The first Test against Ireland will thus mark two remarkable career landmarks for Mushfiqur Rahim—his 100th Test and 150th First-Class game—cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh cricket’s finest.

Stay tuned as the nation comes together to celebrate this historic occasion and support Mushfiqur in his landmark appearance.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mushfiqur-rahim-set-to-attain-mega-milestone-in-tests/story

Best bowling figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup

**Best Bowling Figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 18, 2025 | 01:15 pm*

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, United Arab Emirates (UAE) pacer Junaid Siddique claimed four wickets against Pakistan in the ongoing Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, witnessed Siddique’s exceptional bowling figures of 4/18 in his four overs, though it came in a losing cause.

### #1 Junaid Siddique – 4/18 vs Pakistan in 2025
Siddique’s stellar performance helped UAE restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 146/9. He began his wicket-taking spree by dismissing opener Saim Ayub for a two-ball duck. The pacer then removed Sahibzada Farhan for five runs in the third over, followed by dismissals of Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris later in the innings.

Despite Siddique’s impressive 4/18 from four overs, UAE fell short and lost the game by 41 runs.

### #2 Junaid Siddique – 4/23 vs Oman in 2025
Interestingly, Siddique had bettered his own record for the best bowling figures by a UAE bowler in the tournament just prior to the Pakistan game. Against Oman in Abu Dhabi, chasing a target of 173, Siddique struck early by dismissing both openers during the powerplay. He then picked up two more wickets to finish with figures of 4/23 from four overs.

His brilliant bowling effort powered the UAE to a convincing 42-run victory.

### Did You Know?
No other UAE bowler besides Junaid Siddique has taken at least four wickets in a T20 Asia Cup innings.

Before the 2025 edition, the best bowling figures for a UAE bowler in the competition were held by Mohammad Naveed, who claimed 3/24 against Hong Kong in the 2016 match at Fatullah.

Junaid Siddique’s remarkable performances in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup have clearly set a new benchmark for UAE bowling excellence in the tournament’s history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/best-bowling-figures-by-uae-bowlers-in-t20-asia-cup/story