Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi lit up the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi with a breathtaking display of power-hitting in the Asia Cup 2025. At 40 years old, Nabi showed his class and experience, smashing 5 consecutive sixes in an over and scoring 60 runs off just 22 balls, guiding Afghanistan to a competitive total of 169/8 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka.
Mohammad Nabi’s Fireworks: Five Sixes in an Over
The final over of Afghanistan’s innings became an unforgettable moment in Asia Cup history. Facing left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, Nabi went berserk:
- 19.1 Over – Six over long-off (86m strike)
- 19.2 Over – Massive slog-sweep six over mid-wicket (88m)
- 19.3 Over – Clean strike over long-on
- 19.4 Over – Free-hit maximum, reaching 50 in just 20 balls
- 19.5 Over – Fifth six in a row, long-on again
He narrowly missed hitting six sixes in six balls after being run out on the last delivery, but his innings had already electrified the Abu Dhabi crowd.
40-YEAR-OLD MOHAMMED NABI SMASHED 6,6,6,6,6 IN THE FINAL OVER 😍 pic.twitter.com/ycxbKOANn1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 18, 2025
Read more: 6 Ball 6 Sixes Record List: International, IPL & Domestic Cricket
Afghanistan’s Innings Summary
Despite early stumbles, Afghanistan managed to post a strong total thanks to Nabi’s brilliance and Rashid Khan’s support.
Afghanistan Scorecard (vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 – 11th T20)
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | 14 (8) | 2 | 0 | 175.00 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 18 (14) | 2 | 1 | 128.57 |
| Karim Janat | 1 (3) | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 24 (27) | 0 | 1 | 88.89 |
| Darwish Rasooli | 9 (16) | 0 | 0 | 56.25 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 6 (4) | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 60 (22) | 3 | 6 | 272.73 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 24 (23) | 2 | 1 | 104.35 |
| Noor Ahmad | 6 (4) | 0 | 0 | 150.00 |
Total: 169/8 (20 Overs)
Read more: Longest Six in Cricket History
Sri Lanka Bowling Figures
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack had mixed success. Nuwan Thushara stood out, while others leaked runs heavily at the death.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Thushara | 4.0 | 18 | 4 | 4.50 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4.0 | 50 | 1 | 12.50 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 4.0 | 49 | 1 | 12.25 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 4.0 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4.0 | 18 | 0 | 4.50 |
Read more: Rashid Khan vs Sri Lanka: Stats & Sheikh Zayed Stadium Records
Turning Point: Nabi’s 55-Run Stand with Noor Ahmad
At 114/7, Afghanistan looked in trouble, but Nabi turned the innings around. Alongside Noor Ahmad, he stitched a 55-run partnership in just 18 balls, ensuring a powerful finish
At 40 age, Mohammad Nabi’s 60 off 22 balls with five sixes in an over will be remembered as one of the greatest finishing acts in Asia Cup history. His effort helped Afghanistan post 169 runs, setting Sri Lanka a challenging chase of 170. Whether with bat, ball, or experience, Nabi continues to be the backbone of Afghanistan cricket, proving age is no barrier when passion meets power.
