Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage who got hit for 5 sixes in the last over by Afghan batter Mohommad Nabi in Sri Lanka’s last Asia Cup match suffered a personal loss towards the end of the game. Wellalage lost his father Suranga Wellalage to a suspected heart attack right after the game.

Shortly after Sri Lanka chased down a 170-run target in Abu Dhabi to qualify for the Super 4 stage, the 22-year-old Wellalage was informed of his father’s passing by the team manager on the field.

The news which was intentionally held back until the game was over was broken by head coach Jayasuriya and team management. Jayasuriya was captured on video placing his arm around Wellalage’s shoulder to console him.

The Sri Lankan bowler reportedly left for home soon after, with his participation in the remainder of the tournament in doubt.

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Rough night for Wellalage

Playing his first match in the tournament, Wellalage gave up 49 runs in just four overs, securing only one wicket. He was notably smashed for five sixes in a 32-run 20th over by seasoned Afghan batter Mohammad Nabi. The former Afghanistan skipper would later offer his support to the Lankan youngster through a social media post.

When reporters informed Mohammad Nabi about the tragic news, the cricketer reacted with empathy and concern for his opponent. 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.

“Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong Brother,” Nabi wrote on X after the game.

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Former Sri Lankan legends offer support

Post the incident, multiple former Sri Lankan cricketers came to offer Wellalage’s family support in the public domain. Former skipper Russel Arnold and Lasith Malinga expressed solidarity with the player’s family

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time,” Lasith Malinga wrote on X.