Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets in the Asia Cup 20-20 match that ended yesterday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
With this victory, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super 4 round. This victory of Sri Lanka also opened the doors of the Super Round for the Bangladesh team. The Agfun team had to give up its Asian Cup hopes.
Although Sri Lanka won the match, Sri Lankan player Dunith Wellalage had to face a sad incident. During that match, his father passed away suddenly. Dunith Wellalage was given the opportunity to bowl the final over of the Afghanistan innings, when he was severely attacked by Afghan player Mohammad Nabi. Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes in that over, and due to that situation, Sri Lanka was in danger of losing the match.
Social media and even mainstream foreign media are saying that the sudden death of Dunith Wellalage’s father was due to the severe attack he made in the final over. Some social media users are speculating that the shock that the attack would harm Wellalage’s cricketing career could be the reason for this death. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka is facing severe criticism on social media platforms for choosing Dunith Wellalage to bowl the final over.
However, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare thanks to the excellent batting of opener Kusal Mendis. He scored 74 not out in 52 balls with 10 fours and guided Sri Lanka to victory.
Batting first, Afghanistan scored 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran 24, Mohammad Nabi 60. Nuwan Thushara 18/4, Dushmantha Chameera 50/1. Dunith Wellal 49/1.
Sri Lanka scored 171 for 4 in 18.4 overs. Kusal Mendis not out 74, Kamindu Mendis not out 26. Mujeeb Rahman 42/1, Noor Ahmed 37/1 in the bowling.
Afghan player Mohammad Nabi’s X-ray message expressing his condolences over the death of Dunith Wellalage’s father has caught the attention of many parties. Dunith Wellalage is scheduled to arrive in the island today to attend his father’s funeral.