In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi etched his name into the record books during the Asia Cup 2023 clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore this Tuesday.
Nabi's extraordinary feat saw him secure the title of the fastest fifty ever scored by an Afghan cricketer in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving this milestone in a mere 24 balls.
Positioned at number six in the batting lineup, Nabi exhibited remarkable prowess with the willow, peppering the boundary with six scorching fours and sending three powerful sixes soaring into the stands. His rapid assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers left spectators in awe and solidified his status as a batting force to be reckoned with.
The previous holder of this record was none other than the talented Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who had achieved the feat in 27 balls against Pakistan earlier this year. However, Nabi's incredible display has now catapulted him to the top of the list of the fastest fifties scored by Afghan players in ODIs, showcasing his exceptional skill and flair.
Mohammad Nabi leads the llustrious list of the fastest 50s for Afghanistan in ODIs
1) Mohammad Nabi – 24 balls
2) Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 26 balls vs. Pakistan
3) Rashid Khan – 27 balls vs. Ireland
Nabi's achievement, while remarkable, is still a few strides behind the global record holder for the fastest ODI fifty, held by South Africa's legendary AB De Villiers. De Villiers achieved this astonishing milestone in just 16 balls during a clash against the West Indies back in 2015, a testament to his extraordinary batting prowess and lightning-fast scoring ability.
The fastest 50s in the history of ODIs remain a prestigious club, with De Villiers leading the charge:
1) AB De Villiers – 16 balls vs. West Indies, 2015
2) Sanath Jayasuriya – 17 balls vs. Pakistan, 1996
3) Kusal Perera – 17 balls vs. Pakistan, 2015
Nabi's breathtaking achievement not only elevates his standing in Afghan cricket but also adds a thrilling chapter to the ever-evolving narrative of the Asia Cup 2023. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on this talented all-rounder as he continues to shine on the international stage, aiming to further etch his name in the annals of cricketing history.
