Can Mohammad Nabi's Late Blitz Lead Afghanistan to Victory Against Sri Lanka?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling Asia Cup encounter, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring 60 runs off just 22 balls. His explosive batting propelled Afghanistan to 169 runs against Sri Lanka, setting the stage for a gripping contest in Abu Dhabi. Will this be enough for Afghanistan to secure a spot in the Super Fours?
Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Nabi delivered an exceptional performance under pressure.
- The partnership with Rashid Khan was crucial for Afghanistan's total.
- Sri Lanka's fielding errors proved costly in the final overs.
- The match highlighted the intense competition in the Asia Cup.
- Afghanistan's ability to recover in the death overs showcased their resilience.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 18 (NationPress) Mohammad Nabi, the seasoned all-rounder, showcased an incredible display of death-overs batting, smashing 60 runs off just 22 balls and belting out six sixes to propel Afghanistan to a total of 169/8 against Sri Lanka during a crucial Asia Cup Group B match at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
At one point, Afghanistan was struggling at 120/7 after 18 overs, with Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara claiming impressive figures of 4-18. However, Nabi, Afghanistan's most experienced player, turned the game around with a breathtaking onslaught in the final two overs, scoring an astonishing 46 runs, including 32 runs in the last over alone.
The partnership between Nabi and skipper Rashid Khan, which added 35 runs to the score, was the highest of the innings. Nabi's explosive finale off Dunith Wellalage included five sixes, one of which came from a no-ball, taking Afghanistan from a mediocre total to one they felt confident defending.
Interestingly, Nabi was dropped once in the outfield by Wellalage, a mistake that would haunt Sri Lanka later. Afghanistan began strongly, scoring 26 runs in the first two overs but lost their rhythm as Thushara's striking powerplay resulted in the dismissals of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, and Sediqullah Atal, leaving them at 45/3 by the end of the power-play.
Afghanistan struggled to rotate the strike, failing to hit a boundary after the fourth over. Sri Lanka's fielding was sharp, with Kusal Perera's relay catch to dismiss Darwish Rasooli and Dushmantha Chameera's spectacular catch to send back Azmatullah Omarzai.
Rashid initiated the counter-attack by smashing Shanaka for a couple of boundaries, including a stunning no-look six, before being bowled by Thushara. Nabi’s resurgence commenced when he struck Chameera for three consecutive boundaries, amassing 17 runs in that over.
In the last over by Wellalage, Nabi seized the moment, launching the first three balls for sixes, hitting two more maximums, and getting run out on the final delivery. His spectacular finish has given Afghanistan a solid chance to secure their place in the Super Fours.
Brief scores:
Afghanistan 169/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nabi 60, Rashid Khan 24; Nuwan Thushara 4-18, Dasun Shanaka 1-29) against Sri Lanka
Point of View
It is evident that Afghanistan's cricket team is evolving. With veterans like Mohammad Nabi showcasing their expertise, the journey towards establishing a competitive cricketing nation is becoming increasingly evident. Such performances not only inspire future talent but also foster a sense of unity and pride among fans.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mohammad Nabi's performance in the match?
Mohammad Nabi scored 60 runs off just 22 balls, including six sixes, leading Afghanistan to a total of 169 runs.
How did Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara perform?
Nuwan Thushara had an outstanding spell, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in his 4 overs.
What was the significance of this match for Afghanistan?
This match was crucial for Afghanistan as they aimed to secure a spot in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup.
What key partnerships were highlighted in the innings?
The key partnership was between Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, which added 35 runs to the total.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
