Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was left visibly shaken after learning about the tragic demise of Dunith Wellalage’s father during the Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Only moments earlier, Nabi had brutally targeted the young Sri Lankan spinner, smashing him for five sixes in a single over. Yet, the cricketing battle quickly gave way to a far more human story of grief and compassion.
Sri Lanka had just sealed a six-wicket win when coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager broke the heartbreaking news to Wellalage. His father, Suranga Wellalage, had passed away on September 18, leaving the 22-year-old distraught.
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On-ground journalists captured the emotional moment as senior members of the Sri Lankan camp consoled the youngster, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the side.
The moment when Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith’s father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54.🥲
video credits- Dhanushka pic.twitter.com/P01nFFWlVW— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18, 2025
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
When journalists later informed Mohammad Nabi about the situation, the Afghan veteran was taken aback. Just as he boarded the team bus, he paused, stunned by the news, before quietly walking away with a coaching staff member. His reaction reflected the deep empathy that often binds cricketers beyond national rivalries.
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On the field, however, Wellalage endured one of the toughest overs of his career. Under immense pressure, he conceded 6, 6, 6, no-ball, 6, and 6 in the final over, with Nabi missing out on the rare feat of six sixes in six balls only because of a wide yorker. Despite the costly over, Sri Lanka held their nerve, chasing down Afghanistan’s 169/8 to secure a Super Four spot alongside Bangladesh.
The episode served as a poignant reminder that behind the statistics and headlines, cricketers remain human—capable of great feats under pressure but also vulnerable to life’s harshest realities.
