Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned back the clock with a breathtaking display of power-hitting against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash in Abu Dhabi. The veteran produced a whirlwind knock of 60 off just 22 balls, including five consecutive sixes in the penultimate over off young spinner Dunith Wellalage, lifting Afghanistan to a competitive total of 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Mohammad Nabi hits five back-to-back sixes
The game was delicately poised when Nabi walked out to bat. Afghanistan were struggling to put up a challenging score on a tricky surface, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers had done well to keep the pressure on. But Nabi, known for his calm temperament and big-hitting ability, seized the moment in spectacular fashion.
The five sixes over
1️⃣ First six: Wellalage’s over began poorly for him as he missed his length, pitching the ball in Nabi’s slot. Nabi hammered it down the ground over long-off with ease. It was a clean, textbook six that immediately signaled Afghanistan’s intent and put pressure on the bowler.
2️⃣ Second six: Wellalage attempted to adjust but ended up bowling slightly fuller outside off. Nabi, unfazed, got under it and sent it sailing over deep mid-wicket. With this shot, Afghanistan edged closer to a competitive total, and the bowler started feeling the heat.
3️⃣ Third six: Nabi continued the onslaught as Wellalage delivered a straight full ball. Nabi cleared his front leg and lofted it down the ground, measuring a massive 88 meters. His timing and placement highlighted the experience and confidence he brings to high-pressure situations.
4️⃣ Fourth six: A no-ball from Wellalage added to his woes, giving Nabi a free hit. Nabi took full advantage, swinging over wide long-off. This shot brought up his fifty in just 20 balls, marking one of the fastest T20I fifties for Afghanistan. The veteran showed remarkable composure, waiting for the right ball and punishing the error instantly.
5️⃣ Fifth six: Nabi’s assault didn’t stop there. Wellalage, desperate to restrict him, delivered a loose, wide ball outside off, and Nabi heaved it toward cow corner for yet another six. By now, the young spinner was completely under pressure, while Nabi’s dominance had the crowd on their feet.
Here’s the video:
🚨 𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐈 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐮 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢 🚨🌪️
5️⃣ sixes in the 20th over from Mr. President 🤯
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The 32-run over became the second-most expensive for Sri Lanka in T20Is, only behind Akila Dananjaya’s infamous 36-run over in 2021 when Kieron Pollard struck six sixes in Antigua.
A record-equalling fifty
Nabi’s blitz not only revived Afghanistan’s innings but also etched his name in the record books. He reached his half-century in just 20 balls, equalling Azmatullah Omarzai’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghan batter, achieved earlier in the same tournament against Hong Kong. For context, this was also Nabi’s second 20-ball T20I fifty, with his first coming against Ireland in Greater Noida back in 2017. The knock underlined his ability to deliver when it matters most, reinforcing his status as one of Afghanistan’s finest finishers.
Afghanistan finish strong
Thanks to Nabi’s fireworks, Afghanistan managed to post 169/8, a total that looked improbable at one stage. Before his arrival, the batting unit had failed to gain momentum, with Sri Lanka’s pacers and spinners dictating terms. However, Nabi’s late onslaught not only gave Afghanistan a fighting chance but also shifted the momentum in their favor heading into the second innings.
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