Sri Lanka’s star sensation Avishka Fernando’s father collapses in stadium

Sri Lanka’s star sensation Avishka Fernando hit a quick-fire half-century as the team eased to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second one-day international to seal the three-match series in Colombo on Sunday. Fernando, who has been in sensational touch of late smashed 82 off 75 deliveries laced with nine boundaries and two mighty sixes, which eventually helped the host to reach the target in less than 45 overs after Bangladesh were restricted to 238-8, despite wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim making an unbeaten 98 runs.

Mathews struck occasional leg-spinner Sabbir Rahman for a four to complete Sri Lanka’s win. He was unbeaten on 52 runs facing 57 balls. He was well supported by Mendis, 41 not out, in an unbroken 96-run fourth wicket stand.

However, as the 21-year-old Fernando was making Sri Lankan fans smile, his father, who had come to watch his son bat, collapsed in the Colombo Stadium. He was rushed to the hospital. Fernando though had no idea and he continued to play his knock. It was Fernando’s second fifty in ODIs and it came just after a few matches after his 104 against the West Indies in the cricket World Cup.

The cricketer came to know about his father’s illness after returning to the pavilion. It was learnt that Fernando’s father is diabetic. Fernando later told the media that he was out of danger. “I was batting in the middle when my father collapsed and I was totally unaware of the fact. I only got to know about it after I was dismissed,” Fernando said. About the game, he said he had no regret over missing a century since his team won and he bagged the Man of the Match.

Here's the Tweet: 

Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando's father has been admitted to hospital after he was fainted while watching 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka & Bangladesh played at R Premadasa stadium. Avishka on 77*. #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/wLXhD1UShn

— Manjula Basnayake (@BasnayakeM) July 28, 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

• Avishka Fernando smashed 82 off 75 deliveries.
• Sri Lanka upstaged Bangladesh by seven wickets in second ODI. 
• Sri Lankan team sealed the series after second win in Colombo.