6, 6, 6, 6, 6 - Mohammad Nabi unleashes beast mode in do-or-die Asia Cup match

Published - 18 Sept 2025, 22:09 IST | Updated - 18 Sept 2025, 22:26 IST

Afghanistan's veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi rose to the occasion in a must-win Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, as he produced a scintillating knock of 60 off just 22 balls. His extraordinary efforts in the last two overs handed Afghanistan a fighting total of 169 for 8.

The assault began from the penultimate over, which was bowled by Dushmantha Chameera, and the pacer nailed his yorkers, yet Nabi found the way to score by smashing boundaries one past point, flicking another behind square, and even benefiting from a French cut. Seventeen runs came off that over, turning what could have been a quiet finish into a launchpad.

In the final over, against young Dunith Wellalage, Nabi hammered five sixes, one over long-off, another over mid-wicket, a third into the stands again. A no-ball followed, with the free hit sailing for six as well. By the time Wellalage gathered himself, Nabi had struck five consecutive sixes and brought up his fifty in just 20 balls. The fairy-tale ending of six sixes in an over couldn't be possible, as Nabi was run out going for a second run off the final ball. Still, his 60 from 22 deliveries at a strike rate of 272.72 had completely changed the match.

Mohammad Nabi hits 5 Consecutive sixes in last over.🥶🔥 #AFGvSL

VOTD: Thushara’s twin strikes put Afghanistan on back foot

Earlier,  after winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan were put under immediate pressure. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara ran through the top order with figures of 4 for 18. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, and Sediqullah Atal all fell inside the power play.

Ibrahim Zadran and Rashid Khan tried to stabilize the innings, but they too fell later. Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a wicket, while Wanindu Hasaranga was brilliant in his four overs for just 18 runs. Following this, Nabi built his innings alongside Rashid. The Afghan skipper's 24 gave the team a bit of breathing room, but it was Nabi’s late attack that stole the show.