Mohammad Nabi stunned after hearing Dunith Wellalage's father passed away mid-match - WATCH

Nabi shocked after hearing Wellalage’s father’s death news. (Photo: X)

The news of Dunith Wellalage's father's passing upset Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi following the conclusion of the Asia Cup Group B game at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan’s crucial clash ended in defeat for Rashid Khan’s men, but Mohammad Nabi stood out with a blistering 60 off just 22 balls, smashing five sixes in the final over bowled by Sri Lanka’s Wellalage.

Wellalage was told by coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team management that his father, Suranga Wellalage, had passed away following Sri Lanka's six-wicket victory. Jayasuriya was seen comforting him and the manager escorted the 22-year-old spinner away.

Visuals have now surfaced showing journalists breaking the news to Nabi outside the venue. The senior Afghanistan all-rounder looked visibly concerned as he offered his condolences.

Here's how the conversation went between Nabi and a few journalists outside the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi:

Reporter: Dunith Wellalage's father passed away.

Nabi: Father? How?

Reporter: Heart attack. Just after the match.

Nabi: Really?

Reporter: The news came in the middle of the match. But he was told after the match was over.

Nabi: Heart attack?

Reporter: Yes, heart attack.

Afghanistan, considered a dark horse for the 2025 Asia Cup, lost to Sri Lanka by six wickets and was eliminated from the eight-team competition. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis were undefeated at 74 and 26, respectively, as the Lankans chased down the target of 170 with eight balls to spare.

With this victory, Sri Lanka topped Group B. On Saturday, the team will play Bangladesh in the Super 4s at the Dubai International Stadium.

Talking about Wellalage, the spinner endured a tough outing, giving away 49 runs in his four overs. His final over went for 32 runs, with Nabi hammering five sixes to lift Afghanistan to a respectable total.

Wellalage managed to pick up a solitary wicket, removing Ibrahim Zadran for 24 in the 13th over of Afghanistan’s innings.