Abu Dhabi: Tragedy struck a member of the Sri Lankan cricket team during its match against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup on Thursday. Spinner Dunith Wellalage’s father passed away in Sri Lanka even as the match was on.
He was not informed of the demise of his father Suranga Wellalage immediately. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the news to the 22-year-old after the match ended. Celebration immediately turned to sorrow for the whole side.
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who finished his innings in style by smashing Wellalage for five sixes in the final over, was stunned on coming to know of the incident.
Nabi came to know of Wellalage’s loss from journalists. Footage from the stadium showed him sporting a worried look after the interaction with the reporter.
Nabi: “Father? How?”
Reporter: “Heart attack. Just after the match.”
Nabi: “Really? Heart attack?”
The Afghan player then extended his condolences on social media.
“Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong, Brother,” he posted with a photograph of the young spinner with his father.
The incident reminds one of Indian cricketing great Virat Kohli. The ace batter was barely 18 in 2006 and was playing a Ranji Trophy match in Karnataka when he was informed of the death of his father Prem Kohli.
Virat continued to play though and scored a crucial 90 for Delhi that helped the side avoid a follow-on. Kohli left for home after the match to attend his father’s funeral.
Wellalage is unlikely to play in Sri Lanka’s remaining matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan and India after the tragedy.