Mohammad Nabi Smashes Five Sixes in an Over | Almost Equals Yuvraj Singh’s Record

Cricket fans around the world were treated to an electrifying performance in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. Veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi rolled back the years with a jaw-dropping innings, smashing five consecutive sixes in the final over, nearly equaling Yuvraj Singh’s legendary six-sixes feat from the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.

Nabi’s Incredible Innings

At 40 years old, Nabi showcased his class and experience, blasting a whirlwind 60 off just 22 balls. Walking in with Afghanistan struggling at 120/7 after 18 overs, he completely turned the game on its head. In the last two overs, Nabi plundered 46 runs, including a spectacular assault on Dunith Wellalage’s final over, where he hammered five massive sixes and a no-ball hit. He was eventually run out on the last ball, but not before powering Afghanistan to a competitive 169/8.

Yuvraj Singh’s Record Revisited

The timing of Nabi’s innings couldn’t have been more poetic. His five sixes came almost exactly 18 years after Yuvraj Singh smashed six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. While Nabi fell just one shot short, his blitz brought back memories of that iconic moment, reminding fans why T20 cricket remains the most thrilling format.

Key Highlights of the Match

• Nuwan Thushara’s fiery spell (4/18) ripped through Afghanistan’s top order.

• Afghanistan were reduced to 45/3 early and later slumped to 120/7.

• Nabi and Rashid Khan (24 runs) added a crucial 35-run partnership.

• Nabi’s 20-ball fifty equaled the joint-fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan.

• At 40+, Nabi joined Chris Gayle and Mohammad Hafeez as players scoring T20I fifties against full-member sides.

• Wellalage’s 32-run over became Sri Lanka’s second-most expensive in T20I history, behind Kieron Pollard’s six-sixes (36 runs) off Akila Dananjaya in 2021.

Afghanistan’s Revival

Despite Sri Lanka’s sharp fielding, including stunning catches from Kusal Perera and Dushmantha Chameera, Nabi’s heroics ensured Afghanistan had a total to defend. His fearless hitting not only gave Afghanistan momentum but also reignited their chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup Super Fours.

FAQ Section

Q1: Has anyone ever hit six sixes in an over in the Asia Cup?
No, six sixes in an over has never been hit in the Asia Cup. Mohammad Nabi came close in 2025 with five sixes in an over. The record of six consecutive sixes in international T20s belongs to Yuvraj Singh (2007) and Kieron Pollard (2021).

Q2: Who holds the record for most sixes in T20I cricket?
The record for the most sixes in T20I cricket is held by Rohit Sharma, with over 190 sixes.

Q3: How fast was Nabi’s fifty against Sri Lanka?
Mohammad Nabi reached his half-century in just 20 balls, which is the joint-fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan.

Q4: What is the most expensive over in T20I history?
The most expensive over in T20I cricket was bowled by Akila Dananjaya, who conceded 36 runs to Kieron Pollard in 2021. Wellalage’s 32-run over against Nabi is the second-most expensive for Sri Lanka.

Q5: How old is Mohammad Nabi?
Mohammad Nabi is 40 years old and one of the oldest players to score a T20I fifty against a full-member nation.

Conclusion

Mohammad Nabi’s explosive knock will go down as one of the greatest death-over hitting displays in Asia Cup history. While he narrowly missed joining Yuvraj Singh in the elite “six sixes in an over” club, his fearless batting has cemented his place as one of Afghanistan’s all-time greats. For cricket lovers, it was a nostalgic reminder that legends can rise to the occasion, no matter their age.