Media365
NEW DELHI: Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was visibly shaken after learning about the sudden death of Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage’s father following their Asia Cup Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Nabi, a senior figure in Afghanistan cricket, had delivered a blistering performance for his side, scoring 60 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over bowled by Wellalage, but even his heroics were overshadowed by the tragic news.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Footage emerging from the stadium shows Nabi being informed by journalists after the match. Sporting a worried expression, the Afghanistan all-rounder reacted with visible shock.Watch: When reporters informed Mohammad Nabi about the tragic newsReporter: “Dunith Wellalage’s father passed away.”Nabi: “Father? How?”Reporter: “Heart attack. Just after the match.”Nabi: “Really? Heart attack?”The exchange highlighted the gravity of the moment as Nabi took in the news, reflecting the human side of sport beyond the boundary ropes.Shortly after, Nabi extended his condolences on social media, posting: “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong, Brother,” accompanied by a photo of the young spinner with his father.
Sri Lanka won the match by six wickets, chasing down Afghanistan’s 170 with eight balls to spare. The win ensured Sri Lanka topped Group B and progressed to the Super Four stage, where they will face Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.For Wellalage, 22, the day was bittersweet. He only learned of his father Suranga Wellalage’s death after the match, leaving him to process the devastating news away from the field. With matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India ahead, doubts remain over his participation as the team navigates the emotionally challenging period.
