Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi extended heartfelt condolences to Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage, whose father tragically passed away due to a heart attack during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The shocking news emerged only after the game, casting a shadow over the cricketing contest.
The sudden demise of Dunith Wellalage’s father
Wellalage, who bowled the final over of Afghanistan’s innings, was informed of his father’s passing only once the match concluded. According to reports, Sri Lanka’s team management and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the news to him directly on the field.
The revelation came shortly after Sri Lanka reached the finish line to secure a place in the Super 4 stage, highlighting the cruel twist of fate that turned a sporting battle into a deeply personal tragedy.
Mohammad Nabi expresses sympathy with Wellalage and family
When reporters informed Nabi of the incident on his way to the team hotel, the Afghan veteran was visibly shaken and repeatedly sought confirmation of the heartbreaking news. His reaction reflected the deep respect and empathy shared within the cricketing fraternity.
The moment reporters told Mohammad Nabi about passing away of Dinuth Wellalage Father due to heart attack.
Reporter told him that it happened during mid break of the match & sri lankan team told wellalage after the game.pic.twitter.com/OQT30OqvSE
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 18, 2025
Nabi later took to social media to share his support, posting: “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong, Brother.”
Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father.
Stay strong Brother pic.twitter.com/d6YF2BhlnV— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 18, 2025
The message resonated widely, with fans praising Nabi’s compassion despite having been the batter who targeted Wellalage in the final over of the first innings.
According to reports, Wellalage has returned to Colombo to be with his family, leaving his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup Super Four matches uncertain.
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SL vs AFG: Match recap overshadowed by tragedy
On the field, Afghanistan’s Nabi played a whirlwind knock of 60 off just 22 balls, including the remarkable sequence of five sixes against Wellalage. Despite his fireworks, Afghanistan were unable to defend their competitive total of 169, as Sri Lanka clinched a six-wicket victory.
However, the result was quickly overshadowed by the devastating news surrounding Wellalage’s family, shifting the focus from cricketing heroics to the human side of sport.
The aftermath of the game has been marked by an outpouring of emotion and empathy from players, match officials and fans. The incident served as a poignant reminder that beyond rivalries and results, cricket remains a sport rooted in humanity, compassion and shared respect.
