Nabi’s Blitz Powers Afghanistan to 169 in Must-Win Asia Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka
Mohammad Nabi produced a stunning late onslaught, smashing 60 off just 22 balls — including five sixes in a single over — to rescue Afghanistan from a precarious position and propel them to 169 for 8 against Sri Lanka in their must-win Men’s T20 Asia Cup match in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan had struggled for momentum for most of their innings, with Sri Lanka dominating 18 of the 20 overs. But in the final two overs, Nabi turned the game on its head, scoring 49 of the team's runs in that short span, lifting his side to a total that looked well beyond reach just moments earlier.
Nabi’s Carnage in the Final Over
The turning point came in the final over, bowled by 21-year-old left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who was thrust into the death-bowling role due to Sri Lanka running out of seam options. What followed was sheer carnage: Nabi launched five consecutive deliveries into the stands — over long-off and cow corner — leaving Wellalage stunned and Sri Lanka shell-shocked.
Ironically, it was Wellalage who had dropped Nabi earlier in the innings when the veteran batter was on just 6. That lapse would prove costly as Nabi, renowned for his power-hitting against spin, made Sri Lanka pay dearly in the final moments.
Nabi was eventually run out off the last ball of the innings, but by then, the damage had been done. His whirlwind knock included four fours and six sixes, and completely flipped the momentum in Afghanistan’s favour as they chase a spot in the Super Fours.
Sri Lanka’s Early Control Undone
Prior to Nabi's late assault, Sri Lanka had maintained a tight grip on the game. Nuwan Thushara was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 18 in a lethal spell that dismantled Afghanistan’s top and middle order. Dushmantha Chameera was unlucky to concede 50 runs from his four overs, while captain Dasun Shanaka picked up a wicket but leaked 29.
Wanindu Hasaranga was at his economical best, finishing with 0 for 18, but the absence of Maheesh Theekshana from the playing XI was felt deeply in the closing overs, forcing Sri Lanka to turn to the inexperienced Wellalage in a high-pressure moment.
A Vital Knock in a Do-or-Die Match
With qualification for the Super Fours on the line, Nabi's knock may prove to be one of the defining performances of the tournament. Afghanistan, having been under pressure for much of the innings, now have a competitive total to defend — and the psychological edge heading into the second innings.
For Sri Lanka, the challenge will be not only chasing down 170 under pressure, but also regrouping after a tactical gamble that backfired spectacularly.
The match remains finely poised, but one thing is clear: in a must-win game, Mohammad Nabi has delivered when it mattered most.