Afghanistan star Mohammad Nabi was left stunned when a journalist informed him about the death of Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage’s father after their Asia Cup 2025 match in Abu Dhabi on September 18.

Notably, Afghanistan was defeated by Sri Lanka convincingly and knocked out of the Asia Cup tournament. Afghanistan chose to bat first after captain Rashid Khan won the toss. Their innings stuttered thanks to Nuwan Thushara’s 4/18, blowing away their top order.

Ibrahim Zadran made 24, and Rashid Khan made 24, as Afghanistan rebuilds. In the last two overs, Mohammad Nabi broke the shackles. In the final over, Nabi hammered Dunith Wellalage for five sixes as Afghanistan posted 169/8 in 20 overs.

In response, Kusal Mendis made 74* with 10 fours, while Kusal Perera (28) and Kamindu Mendis (26*) played supporting roles as Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets.

However, Sri Lanka’s celebrations for the Super Four stage were muted as they were informed that Dunith Wellalage’s father had passed away at the age of 54 due to a sudden heart attack. The cricketer was only informed of the same after the match ended, and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya was seen consoling the youngster.

As Mohammad Nabi was leaving the ground, he was informed of Wellalage’s father’s demise, and the Afghan great was left stunned at the news.

"Wellalage's father passed away," a reporter could be heard saying in a video to Nabi. "By heart attack, just during the mid-break of the match," he added. 

Nabi also took to social media to share his condolences on the tragedy.

"Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. "Stay strong, Brother," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).  

 India and Pakistan from Group A and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Group B qualified for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025.