Unprecedented six-hitting spree by Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi in the final over of the Abu Dhabi match; Veteran cricketer, who hails from Afghanistan, hit an astounding five sixes in the final over against Sri Lanka. Video available for viewing.
In a thrilling encounter between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, the match determined the top two from Group B and secured a spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Afghanistan managed to score a competitive total of 169/8 in their 20 overs, thanks in large part to a late surge from Mohammad Nabi.
The first two overs of the Afghanistan innings yielded a promising 26 runs, but the team found themselves in trouble as they were reduced to 79 for six in the 13th over. The powerplay was particularly challenging, with three wickets lost, and momentum seemed to be slipping away.
However, Nabi stepped up to the plate, sharing a crucial 35-run seventh-wicket stand with Rashid Khan. Khan contributed 24 runs off 23 balls before being dismissed, setting the stage for Nabi's explosive innings.
Nabi reached his half-century in just 20 balls, equalling the record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter, held jointly with Azmatullah Omarzai, who also reached his half-century in the same tournament. Omarzai's impressive performance was not lost on the spectators, as he played a crucial role in Afghanistan's recovery.
In the penultimate over, Nabi scored three successive fours off Dushmantha Chameera, demonstrating his class and determination. The last over of the innings was a spectacle to behold, with 32 runs scored, largely due to Nabi's five consecutive sixes off the bowling of Dunith Wellalage. This explosive display earned Nabi a total of 60 runs off 22 balls, a performance that will be remembered for a long time.
The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, with Dushmantha Chameera leaking 50 runs in his four overs. Nuwan Thusara managed to take three wickets, including those of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, and Sediquallah Atal, but his economy rate of 9.50 was a testament to the firepower on display from the Afghan batsmen.
With this victory, Afghanistan advance to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025, where they will look to continue their impressive form and challenge for the title. The performance of Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai will give them confidence, as they showed that they can recover from difficult situations and post competitive totals.
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