Following Afghanistan’s match against Sri Lanka, Mohammad Nabi was informed about the passing of Dunith Wellalage’s father.
Mohammad Nabi Consoles Dunith Wellalage After Tragic News
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was visibly shocked after learning about Dunith Wellalage’s father’s passing following the Asia Cup Group B match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Despite Afghanistan’s loss in the crucial match under Rashid Khan’s captaincy, Nabi shone with a blistering 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over bowled by Wellalage.
After Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory, coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informed 22-year-old Wellalage about his father Suranga’s death. Jayasuriya was seen consoling the spinner while the manager escorted him away.
New visuals have emerged showing Nabi being informed of the tragedy by journalists outside the venue. The senior Afghanistan all-rounder was seen with a worried expression as he offered his condolences.
Here’s how the conversation went between Nabi and a few journalists outside the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi:
Reporter: Dunith Wellalage’s father passed away.
Nabi: Father? How?
Reporter: Heart attack. Just after the match.
Nabi: Really?
Reporter: The news came in the middle of the match, but he was informed after it ended.
Nabi: Heart attack?
Reporter: Yes, heart attack.
The moment reporters told Mohammad Nabi about passing away of Dinuth Wellalage Father due to heart attack.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 18, 2025
Reporter told him that it happened during mid break of the match & sri lankan team told wellalage after the game.pic.twitter.com/OQT30OqvSE
Afghanistan crash out of the Asia Cup
Afghanistan, considered a dark horse for the 2025 Asia Cup, were eliminated after losing to Sri Lanka by six wickets. Charith Asalanka guided Sri Lanka to chase down the 170-run target with eight balls to spare, as Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 74 and 26, respectively. With this win, Sri Lanka topped Group B and will face Bangladesh in the Super 4s stage at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.
Spinner Dunith Wellalage had a tough outing, conceding 49 runs in four overs, including 32 runs in the final over as Mohammad Nabi smashed five sixes to help Afghanistan post a respectable total. Wellalage managed just one wicket, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran for 24 in the 13th over of Afghanistan’s innings.
