Cricket fans witnessed absolute carnage in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, when veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned the game on its head by smashing five sixes in the final over. The over, bowled by Sri Lanka’s spinner Dunith Wellalage, went for a jaw-dropping 32 runs, etching the contest in cricketing history.
A Normal Game Until the Final Over
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the innings didn’t go smoothly. Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara (4/18) produced a fiery spell in the powerplay, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 79/6 in the 13th over.
Wickets kept tumbling as spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Wellalage maintained tight lines. Afghanistan looked set to struggle past 120 runs until Nabi walked in.
Mohammad Nabi’s Explosive Knock
With the scoreboard reading 137/7 after 19 overs, Nabi unleashed a breathtaking assault in the final over. Facing Wellalage, he smashed:
- 5 massive sixes
- 1 single
- Benefited from a no-ball
The result – 32 runs in one over, the second-most expensive over in Sri Lanka’s T20I history, only behind Akila Dananjaya’s 36-run over against West Indies in 2021.
Nabi’s stunning 60 off just 22 balls powered Afghanistan to 169/8 in 20 overs, a total that looked impossible just a few overs earlier.
Rashid Khan’s Support
Earlier, Nabi and skipper Rashid Khan (24 off 23) steadied the ship with a vital 35-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Rashid even entertained fans with his trademark no-look six.
In the penultimate over, Nabi had already hinted at his form by smashing three boundaries off Dushmantha Chameera, who ended up conceding 50 runs in his 4 overs.
Afghanistan’s Sensational Recovery
What looked like a collapse turned into one of the greatest fightbacks in Asia Cup history, thanks to Nabi’s heroics. His final-over assault not only gave Afghanistan momentum but also sent a strong warning to other teams about their death-over power hitting.
Key Stats from the Match
- Mohammad Nabi: 60 (22) | 5 Sixes in 1 Over
- Nuwan Thushara (SL): 4/18 (4 overs)
- Afghanistan Total: 169/8 (20 overs)
- Second-most expensive over by a Sri Lankan in T20Is: 32 runs
Why This Knock Will Be Remembered
Nabi’s performance will go down as one of the most iconic moments in Asia Cup history. Rarely do we see a spinner trusted with the final over, and even more rarely does it end with such fireworks.
