Thu Sep 18 18:48:32 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Nabi’s Explosive Final Over Ignites Afghanistan’s Asia Cup Hopes Against Sri Lanka**

**Dubai, September 18, 2025** – Mohammad Nabi’s breathtaking assault in the final over propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total of 169/8 against Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash. The veteran all-rounder smashed five sixes off Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage, racking up a staggering 32 runs and dramatically shifting the momentum after a shaky start.

Afghanistan, having won the toss and elected to bat, struggled initially, reaching 137/7 by the end of the 19th over. However, Nabi’s whirlwind knock of 60 off just 22 balls, including a preceding flurry of boundaries against Chameera, rescued his team from a potentially low score.

Wellalage’s costly over is now the second-most expensive for Sri Lanka in T20I history, trailing only Akila Dananjaya’s 36-run over against West Indies in 2021.

Earlier, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara ripped through the Afghan top order, claiming 4/18 and leaving Afghanistan reeling. Thushara’s late swing proved too much for Gurbaz, Janat and Atal. While Wellalage and Hasaranga further stifled the innings in the middle overs. A crucial 35-run partnership between Rashid Khan (24 off 23) and Nabi helped steady the ship.

Sri Lanka’s fielding was also sharp, with impressive catches taken by Chameera and Perera. However, Chameera ultimately had a difficult night with the ball, conceding 50 runs in his four overs.

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