After match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was surprised to find out about Dunith Wellalage's father tragic death. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informed Dunith of his father, Suranga Wellalage’s, untimely passing on Thursday, September 18, after the conclusion of the game.

Nabi, who had faced Wellalage earlier in the match, only learned about the news while heading back to the team bus after Afghanistan’s six-wicket loss. A group of journalists informed him of the tragic development, leaving Nabi stunned and apologetic as he tried to process the information. Jayasuriya and Sri Lanka's team manager consoled the 22-year-old before he packed up his equipment and made his way from the dugout to the pavilion.

Earlier in the game, Nabi had hammered Wellalage for five sixes in the final over of Afghanistan’s innings. Even though he made a late blitz, Afghanistan was still not enough to save them from a six-wicket defeat and thus their departure from the tournament. Kusal Mendis (74* off 52) took the Player of the Match award with him after his brilliant innings, which led Sri Lanka to win.

Solidarity and Support from the Cricketing Community

The cricket community, which includes Nabi and Sri Lanka Cricket, has sent a message of support to Dunith Wellalage during this difficult time. The young bowler was energetic and sharp during his three-overs spell for 17 runs before the heartbreak in final over; however, he was able to demonstrate his talent in the middle amidst the tragedy

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This incident highlights the emotional challenge a player can experience, even in the middle of a game. Though in sorrow, Wellalage also showed great control over his game and the solidarity of not only the team but also the cricket community has been very important in the process of his healing.

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott expressed his disappointment following his team’s defeat against Sri Lanka in Match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025. The Rashid Khan-led side lost a do-or-die encounter by six wickets, ending their campaign in the continental tournament. Trott, a former English batter, praised Mohammad Nabi and the batting lineup for posting a competitive total but stressed that mistakes in bowling and fielding cost the team dearly.

“It was a very disappointing loss and a hard one to swallow. We felt we were in a good position, especially after Nabi’s heroics helped us reach 170 [169]. The batters actually played well, but we let them off with our bowling and fielding,” Trott told India Today. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s inability to start strongly with the ball gave Sri Lanka an early advantage in the match.

Trott also acknowledged the opposition’s achievement, noting that Sri Lanka became the second team from Group B to advance to the Super Four stage. “We didn’t start well in the powerplay with the ball and gave them an early advantage. Too many basic errors, whether in batting, bowling, or fielding cost us. You don’t win games at cricket, certainly in tournaments like this with those mistakes. Full credit to Bangladesh, who go through along with Sri Lanka,” he added.

Nabi’s Late Blitz Not Enough as Sri Lanka Prevails

Afghanistan decided to bat first and made 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Besides that, Nabi (60* off 22) made the innings explosive, scoring five sixes in the last over of the innings. His innings could not prevent Sri Lanka from winning. Kusal Mendis (74* off 52) and Kamindu Mendis (26* off 13) played a leading role in scoring the runs and led the team to an easy victory.

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On the bowling side of the game, Nuwan Thushara was tremendous for Sri Lanka as he picked up four wickets (4/18 in four overs), while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad conceded 117 runs in 9.4 overs. With Sri Lanka's stronger powerplay of 53/2 in the first six overs, it seemed to set the standard for the chase, as well as expose the failings of Afghanistan in all three departments.

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage experienced a tragic family loss while representing his country on the field during the team’s Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, September 18, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. While representing his country, Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away from a heart attack.

Dunith was still unable to cope with this tragedy when he continued to do his part in his country’s victory. He didn’t find out the awful news until after the game ended. A video of Sri Lanka's head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, sharing the news with Dunith has surfaced on social media. It shows Jayasuriya supporting Wellalage amid clearly one of the worst/biggest moments in his life.

Tragedy strikes Dunith Wellalage during the Asia Cup 2025

Russel Arnold, a former cricketer and now a commentator, reflected on the tragedy on-air, announcing a personal association, saying, “Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away just a little while ago. He played a bit of cricket also. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained St Peter's,” Arnold said on Sony Sports Network. Sending his condolences, Arnold added, “Dunith was just informed not too long ago. It is really sad to hear that. Hopefully, this will bring the team together and assist them in moving ahead in the Super 4 stage.”

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Suranga Wellalage was part of Sri Lanka’s rich school cricket circuit but never made it into the national setup. His legacy in cricket continues through Dunith, who has been accepted as one of the brightest young prospects coming through Sri Lankan cricket.

Dunith had a tough day on the ground. The left-hand spinner was ravaged for 49 runs in four overs and could only manage one wicket. His toughest opponent on the day was Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who blasted five sixes on his way to score a blistering total of 60 runs off 22 balls. 

Despite Afghanistan's brave effort, Sri Lanka managed to win and qualify for the World Cup while at the same time eliminating Afghanistan. The win was marred somewhat by the tragedy involving the Wellalage family, with teammates and fans coming together to grieve and support the young bowler.

Just after the six-wicket defeat for Afghanistan against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheik Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, to be disqualified from the tournament, Mohammed Nabi was just leaving the stadium when he was left shocked to hear the news of Dunith Wellalage’s father’s death. Due to Sri Lanka’s win, Bangladesh also qualified for the Super 4 stage of the competition.

After the victory of the Charith Asalanka-led side by six wickets, Wellalage was informed of the news as their head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, and captain consoled them about the death of Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, who was regarded as a well-known player, captaining the Prince of Wales College during the same period Russell Arnold led St Peter’s College.

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“Father? How? Herat attack? Really? I am sorry.” Mohammad Nabi, the veteran all-rounder of the side and the former, expressed his concern when he was informed about the same by a few journalists outside the venue, as he looked worried on his face and expressed his condolences.

Watch: Mohammad Nabi expresses condolences on Dunith Wellalage’s demise after Asia Cup 2025 contest

Rashid Khan won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface they expected to get slow in the second innings. However, their batting didn’t click at all and got restricted to 79/6 in 12.1 overs. By the time their captain got out, they were 114/7 before Nabi took 32 runs in the last over, including the five successive sixes, and celebrated 60 runs in just 22 balls at a strike rate of 272.73.

Moments when journalists informed Mohammad Nabi about the passing and sudden heart attack of Wellalage’s father.
Deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.#AFGvSL #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/H80JGdUnuW

— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) September 18, 2025

In reply, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Kusal Mendis, the wicket-keeper batter, was the biggest contributor with an unbeaten 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31, while Kamindu Mendis remained undefeated on 26 runs in 13 balls to complete the chase.

Sri Lanka will now face Bangladesh in the first Super 4 stage of the event on September 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while Afghanistan has been eliminated from the competition.

Afghanistan came to the do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as neither side was confirmed to qualify from Group B of the tournament. However, the Charith Asalanka-led side’s victory not only qualifies them but also sends Bangladesh to the Super 4 stage of the event.

However, the victory turned bittersweet for the spinner, Dunith Wellalage, after he learnt the demise of his father, Suranga Wellalage, who was regarded as a well-known player, leading the Prince of Wales College during the same period Russell Arnold led St Peter’s College.

See Also: [WATCH] Rashid Khan takes fantastic catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka in SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025

A video went viral around the social media platforms where Wellalage was seen to be informed of the news from the manager of the Sri Lanka side, as their coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, consoled along with captain Asalanka. It was not a great evening anyway for the left-arm spinner, who was smashed for five consecutive sixes on the last over of the innings against Mohammad Nabi, who celebrated a fine fifty.

Watch: Dunith Wellalage learns of his father’s demise from Sri Lanka coach after Afghanistan clash in Asia Cup 2025

Just moments after the side sealed a six-wicket victory over the Rashid Khan-led side, Sri Lanka’s former all-rounder, Russell Arnold, shared the heartbreaking news on air, as he recalled all-rounder Suranga Wellalage. Dunith went for 49 runs in his four-over spell, including bowling the 20th and last over of the innings.

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

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” Arnold commented on air.

Kusal Mendis, the wicket-keeper batter, nailed a fine unbeaten knock of 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with the help of 10 boundaries to chase down the target by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Fours with a comfortable 6-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 at Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Afghanistan managed 169/8, a stunning late burst from Mohammad Nabi (60 off 22 balls), which included five sixes in an over. However, their innings was dented by an early collapse triggered by Nuwan Thushara’s fiery spell. Chasing 170, Sri Lanka built their reply around Kusal Mendis’s composed 74 off 52 balls, who anchored the innings with maturity. The Lankans eventually reached the target at 171/4 with 8 balls to spare, knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament. Below are the main reasons for Afghanistan defeat:

1. Nuwan Thushara’s incisive opening spell

Thushara (4/18) bowled an aggressive spell, taking early wickets, including Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. His control of the new ball allowed Sri Lanka to take control at the start of the chase.

2. Collapse under pressure in the middle overs

After a good beginning, Afghanistan batted poorly in the 10th to 14th overs and four of their main batsmen were out. Among the several wickets which fell was the run out of Rashid Khan. As a result of the confusion in the middle order, the match went firmly into Sri Lanka's hands.

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3. Sri Lanka’s composed chase led by Mendis

Despite pursuing a small target, Sri Lanka had the chase built around Kusal Mendis's contribution of 74, and with the rest of the middle order easing even during moments of high pressure, Sri Lanka did not let Afghanistan's hopes rise with late wickets or Nabi's explosive innings.

Mohammed Nabi’s incredible innings, including five successive sixes, crunched Afghanistan during the Asia Cup 2025 encounter, over the 165-run mark in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings. It was a score that could have been defended by them if they could bowl well in the right line and length. However, they were irregular with their line and got punished.

In the middle overs when the spinners came into the attack, it was vital for them to pick wickets. Rashid Khan, the captain, had a huge responsibility on his shoulders, and he displayed that with a fine catch on the penultimate delivery of the over.

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammad Nabi smashes five consecutive sixes in 20th over of SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 clash

The Sri Lanka captain, Charith Asalanka, smashed a boundary on the second ball of the 15th over and looked to pull Noor Ahmed for another big shot. But he skewed it up in the timing as the ball went flat in the air, where Rashid ran forward from the deep mid-wicket region and slipped in attempting the catch, but still kept it in both hands to provide them the crucial wicket.

Watch: Rashid Khan’s fantastic catch keeps Afghanistan alive in SL vs AFG clash

With the ball, the premier leg spinner gave away only 23 runs in his spell of four overs, but he didn’t get a single wicket, which was a little issue in the area. On the third ball of the 16th over, he nearly injured his shoulder after Kamindu Mendis got a leading edge looking to close the bat face. Rashid attempted a run-out and had nearly made it.

Rashid Khan pulls off a stunner to dismiss fellow captain Charith Asalanka 💥

Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GpbhoShnXu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025

Mendis played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into the Super 4 stage of the event as Afghanistan got eliminated with a six-wicket defeat. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with the help of 10 boundaries.

He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis from the other end, as the southpaw drilled 26 runs in 13 balls at a strike rate of 200, thanks to two sixes. Noor Ahmed didn’t have a good outing as he finished with 1/37 in three overs.

Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi rescued his nation from a troubled situation in the first innings in their must-win group stage game against the defending champions Sri Lanka (T20 Asia Cup) in the Asia Cup 2025. During his stormy batting performance, the right-handed middle-order batter created history for his nation by equalling a record.

In their must-win game to qualify for the Super Fours, Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, they were losing wickets at regular intervals, as they were once struggling at 114/7 in the 18th over. Afghanistan were struggling at 137/7 in 19 overs, as a 150+ target was still very hard to achieve.

See Also: Azmatullah Omarzai dismisses dangerous Pathum Nissanka during SL vs AFG clash in Asia Cup 2025

Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes in final over

However, Mohammad Nabi was in the mood as he guided the team to 169/8 in 20 overs with 32 runs in the final over, including five sixes in consecutive legal deliveries. He completed his seventh T20I half-century in just 20 balls, which equalled the record of fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter. 

In their match against Hong Kong in the group stage of this Asia Cup 2025, Azmatullah Omarzai scored a 20-ball fifty to set a new record for the fastest T20I half-century for the country by breaking the joint record of 21-ball half-centuries. 

Fastest T20I fifties by an Afghanistan batter (by balls faced)

• 20 balls - Azmatullah Omarzai vs Hong Kong (Abu Dhabi, 2025)

• 20 balls - Mohammad Nabi vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi, 2025)

• 21 balls - Mohammad Nabi vs Ireland (Greater Noida, 2017)

• 21 balls - Gulbadin Naib vs India (Bengaluru, 2024)

Mohammad Nabi slammed a 22-ball 60 with the help of three fours and six sixes, which helped Afghanistan to achieve a fighting total of 169/8 in 20 overs. 

A huge wicket for Afghanistan. They were quickly able to get rid of Sri Lanka's dangerous batter, Pathum Nissanka. The opener went back to the pavilion after making only 6 runs against 5 deliveries.

A back-of-the-length delivery from Azmatullah Omarzai forced the batter to make a mistake. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with a diving effort, took a clinical catch. Like Afghanistan in the first innings of the match, Sri Lanka also lost their first wicket in the 3rd over of the innings. An action-packed match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. After a highly entertaining first inning, Sri Lanka, who already got wins in the last couple of Asia Cup 2025 matches, went into the field with a bat to chase a target of 170 runs.

Nissanka could be the decisive person of the man because of his recent performances. Against Bangladesh he scored 50, and against Hong Kong he played a 68-run knock. In this match too, against Afghanistan, the batter was looking in fine touch; he even hit a boundary and perhaps was in a hurry to score runs at a faster pace.

Read More: Kusal Perera takes acrobatic catch to dismiss Darwish Rasooli in SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 match

Pathum Nissanka departed early in the match

When he saw the back of the length delivery, around the leg stump, he could not hold himself back. Azmatullah Omarzai lands this back of a length and around the leg, begging to be put away. Pathum Nissanka hooks it away, knowing that the short fine is up in the circle, but fails to keep it down and hits it from the bottom half of the bat straight at that fielder.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with fine reflexes, threw his body in front and took the ball before it touched the ground. The pace of the balls made the catch more difficult than it looked. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket for only 22 runs on the scoreboard. 

Sri Lanka star Kusal Perera took a stunning catch right in front of the boundary rope. Using field awareness and reflections, Perera not only saved an over boundary but also completed the catch to dismiss Afghanistan middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli.

During the 3rd ball of the 11th over of the first innings, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera delivered an outside off-stump delivery with some extra bounce. The right-handed batter played a cut shot over the point region to find the fence. The ball was about to fly over Perera, but he stretched his body and grabbed the ball, with one foot on the ground. He had to throw the ball up to regain his balance. After throwing the ball up,

Perera went outside the boundary rope and then returned back inside the rope to complete the catch. The third umpire checked the inside, and it was absolutely fine to declare that out. Afghanistan fans present in the gallery were stunned, and there was immense joy for the Sri Lankan cricket fans. 

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Kushal Perera lost his balance but took the catch cleanly 

Watch the stunning catch here 

A stunner from Kusal Perera to send Darwish Rasooli packing 🚶

Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/92tcWhs8dC

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025

The first innings of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 match was a rollercoaster ride for both of the teams. Afghanistan started the first innings well, but Sri Lanka bowlers quickly captured the momentum and did not allow them to score runs freely in the middle overs. But in the closing moments of the innings, Mohammad Nabi's stormy innings pushed Afghanistan's total to 169. He smashed 5 sixes back to back and made the match more interesting. 

The first innings of the game contains multiple remarkable moments, including the stunning catch of Kusal Perera.