Mohammad Nabi: Afghanistan’s Cricket Legend – Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments
**Let's Begin**
Mohammad Nabi is one of Afghanistan’s most recognized cricketers, a real all-rounder who has played a crucial part in placing Afghan cricket on the world map. From his modest origins in war-torn Afghanistan to becoming a star in international and franchise cricket, Nabi’s path is nothing short of remarkable.
This blog article will delve into:
- **Nabi’s career and teams** - **The number of players in Afghanistan’s squad** - **Five most memorable and surprising moments of his career**
Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or just discovering Nabi’s greatness, this thorough dive into his career will leave you in awe of his contributions to the game.
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## **Mohammad Nabi’s Cricket Career and Teams**
### **Early Life and Rise to Fame** Born on **January 1, 1985**, in **Logar, Afghanistan**, Nabi grew up in a refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he initially picked up cricket. His potential was obvious early on, and he swiftly ascended through the ranks of Afghan local cricket.
### **International Career** Nabi made his **ODI debut in 2009** against Scotland and his **T20I debut in 2010** against Ireland. He was a significant player in Afghanistan’s climb from **Associate country to Full Member status (2017)**.
- **Test Debut (2018)**: Played in Afghanistan’s historic first Test match against India.
- **Captaincy**: Led Afghanistan in **ODIs and T20Is**, including their **2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns**.
- **Retirement**: Announced retirement from **Test cricket in 2019** but stays active in **ODIs and T20Is**.
### **Franchise Cricket Career** Nabi is a **globetrotting T20 superstar**, having played in leagues like: - **Indian Premier League (IPL)** – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders - **Pakistan Super League (PSL)** – Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings
- **Big Bash League (BBL)** – Melbourne Renegades - **Caribbean Premier League (CPL)** – St Kitts & Nevis Patriots - **The Hundred (England)** – London Spirit
His **off-spin bowling, explosive hitting, and precise fielding** make him a **valuable asset** in any squad.
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## **Afghanistan’s Cricket Team: How Many Players? ** Afghanistan’s **current squad** (as of 2024) contains of **15-20 players** in different forms, with Nabi being one of the senior-most members. The team contains a mix of seasoned players like **Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman**, with fresh potential.
### **Afghanistan’s Key Players (2024)**
1. **Rashid Khan** (Leg-spinner, Vice-Captain)
2. **Rahmanullah Gurbaz** (Explosive opener)
3. **Ibrahim Zadran** (Solid top-order batter)
4. **Mujeeb Ur Rahman** (Mystery spinner)
5. **Azmatullah Omarzai** (Emerging all-rounder)
Nabi’s expertise **bridges the gap between veterans and newcomers**, making him valuable.
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of Mohammad Nabi’s Career**
### **1. Leading Afghanistan to Their First-Ever ODI Win Over a Full Member (2015 – versus Zimbabwe)** **Details**:
- **March 2015, ICC World Cup** – Afghanistan was still an Associate country.
- Nabi **scored 52 runs** and grabbed **2 wickets**, helping Afghanistan **defend 232 runs**.
- **Historic win** – Proved Afghanistan could play with elite teams.
**Why Shocking?**
- Zimbabwe was a **Test-playing nation**, and Afghanistan was yet fresh to the international stage.
- Nabi’s leadership **announced Afghanistan’s arrival** in world cricket.
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### **2. Nabi’s Stunning 89 versus West Indies (2019 World Cup)** **Details**:
- **June 2019, ICC World Cup** — Afghanistan against West Indies.
- Nabi hammered **89 off 52 balls** (9 fours, 4 sixes) in a losing cause.
- One of the **fastest World Cup fifties by an Afghan player**.
**Why Memorable?** - Showed Nabi’s **ability to overpower great bowlers** (like Sheldon Cottrell).
- Despite the defeat, his innings **won global praise**.
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### **3. Nabi’s Controversial Run-Out versus Pakistan (2023 ODI World Cup)** **Details**:
- **October 2023, ODI World Cup** — Afghanistan needed 6 off 4 balls versus Pakistan.
- Nabi was **run out controversially** following a collision with **Shaheen Afridi**.
- Afghanistan lost by **1 wicket**, raising arguments on **"Spirit of Cricket"**.
**Why Shocking?** - Nabi was **livid**, stating it was **obstructing the field**.
- The dismissal **cost Afghanistan a historic win** over Pakistan.
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### **4. Nabi’s Hat-Trick versus Ireland (2016 T20 World Cup)** **Details**:
- **March 2016, T20 World Cup** — Nabi took **4/10**, including a **hat-trick**.
- Dismissed **Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, and George Dockrell** in successive balls.
- Afghanistan **won by 6 wickets**.
**Why Memorable?** - **First Afghan to take a T20I hat-trick**.
- Proved Nabi was **more than simply a batsman**.
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### **5. Nabi’s IPL Heroics for Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017) ** **Details**:
- Nabi was **bought by SRH for ₹30 lakh** in IPL 2017.
- In his **debut match**, he took **2/21 versus RCB**, dismissing **Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers**.
- Became the **first Afghan to play in IPL playoffs**.
**Why Shocking?** - Nabi **outperformed elite bowlers** like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- Proved Associate players **could excel in the IPL**.
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## **Conclusion** Mohammad Nabi is **Afghanistan’s greatest all-rounder**, a player who **transformed his nation’s cricketing fortunes**. From **historic successes to devastating moments**, his career is full with **drama, skill, and resilience**.
Whether in **international cricket or franchise leagues**, Nabi continues to excite millions. His legacy is **not just about numbers but about setting the road for future Afghan cricketers**.
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**What’s your favorite Nabi moment? Let us know in the comments!** 🏏🔥