Tragedy Strikes SL Cricketer After He Gets Smashed for 5 Sixes in Asia Cup

Sri Lanka’s young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage had a tough day on the field during their Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday. However, what happened after the game was far more devastating. The 22-year-old received the heartbreaking news that his father, Suranga Wellalage, had passed away suddenly from a heart attack.

The team’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, one of the best left handed batsmen of all time, along with the team manager, was the one to break the news to him. Wellalage's day went from bad to worse as he was earlier hit for five sixes by Afghanistan's veteran all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi. This news went viral on social media, and he received condolences from every corner.

Dunith Wellalage Father Dies During Asia Cup

Footage circulating online showed Sri Lanka's head coach comforting Dunith Wellalage, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder in a heart-touching moment. According to reports, Dunith left the team camp and flew home shortly after the match. His availability for the upcoming fixtures against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26 now remains uncertain.

On the field, Dunith’s performance didn’t quite go as hoped. He gave away 49 runs while managing to take just one wicket in his spell. The highlight of a difficult day came when Afghanistan’s all-rounder Mohammed Nabi smashed him for five sixes in a row, scoring 32 runs off Dunith’s final over, which was also the last over of the innings.

Watch: Mohammad Nabi's Reaction After Knowing About Dunith Wellalage's Father's Death

Mohammad Nabi was visibly taken aback when he learned of the incident involving Dunith Wellalage father news following the Asia Cup Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. However, the post-match mood turned tragic, as visuals emerged online showing journalists informing Nabi of the heartbreaking news outside the stadium. The veteran cricketer’s expression quickly shifted to one of concern and sympathy as he tried to process what had happened.

Afghanistan Crash Out of Asia Cup 2025

Dunith Wellalage father's death was an absolutely tragic incident which happened after the AFG vs SL Asia Cup clash. The entire cricket fraternity has come in support and sympathy for the 22-year-old all-rounder. Wellalage might have returned to his home, but Sri Lanka have made it to the Super Four stage. With this win, they eliminated the Afghan side from the Asia Cup 2025.

Coming to the match details, Afghanistan opted to bat first, but Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara made an immediate impact, picking up 4 wickets for just 18 runs. While Ibrahim Zadran (24 off 27 balls) and captain Rashid Khan (24 off 23) tried to build the innings with cameos, wickets kept falling and Afghanistan slipped to 114/7 by the 18th over.

Then came a stunning counter-attack from the veteran Mohammad Nabi, who showed why he is still among the most dangerous batsmen in the world. He smashed an unbeaten 60 off just 22 deliveries, including three fours and six sixes, five of them coming in a single over bowled by Dunith Wellalage. Afghanistan managed to post a competitive total of 169/7 in their 20 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka lost opener Pathum Nissanka early, putting pressure on the chase. Kusal Perera scored a useful 28, but it was Kusal Mendis who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 from 52 balls, striking 10 boundaries along the way. He found solid support from Kamindu Mendis, who chipped in with a quickfire 26* off 13 balls, including two sixes. The pair’s unbeaten 52-run stand guided Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare.