In the biggest Asian Cup 2025 explosive cameo, Mohammad Nabi surprised cricket fans by hitting five straight sixes in the last over of Afghanistan’s innings in the SL vs AFG match in Abu Dhabi. After Afghanistan was on the verge of folding earlier in the game, Nabi’s finish helped them post a fighting score of 169/8.
Mohammad Nabi’s Final Over Hits vs Sri Lanka
Afghanistan were reeling at 79/6 when Nabi walked in, but the veteran all-rounder showed why he’s one of the most feared finishers in T20 cricket. Facing Dunith Wellalage in the final over, Nabi launched a brutal assault:
Ball 1: Six
Ball 2: Six
Ball 3: Six
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Ball 4: No-ball + Single
Ball 5: Six
Ball 6: Six
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Ball 7 (Final delivery): Attempted a second run but was run out
In total, Nabi scored 32 runs off the final over, making it the second-most expensive over in Sri Lanka’s T20I history. The only more expensive over came in 2021, when Akila Dananjaya conceded 36 runs to Kieron Pollard.
Mohammad Nabi’s Explosive 22-Ball 60
Nabi finished his innings in a firecracker 60 from 22 balls, with 6 sixes and 2 fours, bringing life to a struggling Afghan innings. His strike rate of 272.72 is the highest in the history of 50+ scores in the Asia Cup.
This remarkable knock was achieved by Afghanistan when they were under severe pressure after losing important batters such as Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli early. Nabi’s knock alone turned the tables in the final stages.
Match Context: SL vs AFG – Asia Cup 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Date: September 18, 2025
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Match: Group B – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (SL vs AFG)
Result: Sri Lanka won and Afghanistan were knocked out.
Despite great efforts from Nabi, they could not get over the line against Sri Lanka, who chased down the target and secured their place in the Super Four. Joining them in the Super Four is Bangladesh (the other team that qualified from Group B, Afghanistan’s elimination).
Nuwan Thushara Dominates Early, Nabi Hits Back Late
As the game progressed, while Nabi was the player everyone talked about, Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara made his mark with the ball as well. Thushara’s bowling figures of 4 for 18 included three wickets in the Powerplay and the key wicket of Rashid Khan at the death.
His early wickets had a “shaking” effect on Afghanistan’s innings and, while Nabi showed a counterattack later in the innings, Thushara built up tremendous pressure on the Afghanistan players early on.
Thushara dismissed:
Ibrahim Zadran
Darwish Rasooli
Sediqullah Atal
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan & Support Acts
Though Nabi was the star, Rashid Khan too chipped in quietly but significantly with 24 off 23 balls, making sure that there was a stable partnership before Nabi went on to explode. Rashid also led the Afghan team in this defining Group B match.
Key Stats – Mohammad Nabi, SL vs AFG
Runs Scored: 60 off 22
Sixes: 6 (5 of which came in the last over)
Strike Rate: 272.72
Most Runs in Final Over for Afghanistan in T20Is
Second-Most Expensive Over in SL T20I History: 32 runs by Wellalage
Tactical Notes
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Strategy: Captain Charith Asalanka used strike bowlers early, which meant spinner Wellalage was left with the final over a risky move that backfired. Afghanistan’s Rescue Act: From 79/6 to 169/8, largely due to Nabi’s brilliance.
Sri Lanka’s Serene Chase: In spite of Nabi’s fireworks, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis steadied the chase to win Sri Lanka with 8 balls to spare.
Playing XIs: SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan:
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
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