In the do-or-die game against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan, Afghanistan lost by 2 runs. In the crucial game, Afghanistan restricted their opponents to 291/8 in 50 overs. To qualify for the next stage of the tournament, Afghanistan needed to chase the target within 37.1 overs. In the end, all-rounder Mohammed Nabi stepped up and tried to win it for Afghanistan.
He smacked an amazing half-century yet failed to win this game. However, in his innings, Nabi broke many records but eventually ended up on the losing side. Meanwhile, Afghanistan revealed that they were unaware of NRR calculations. As they lost two matches and ended their campaign on Tuesday, we will discuss their batting performances. In today’s article, we will discuss the top 3 fastest half-centuries for Afghanistan in ODIs.
3. Rashid Khan in 27 balls vs. Ireland
In January 2021, Rashid Khan, renowned for his bowling prowess, showcased his batting brilliance against Ireland. Playing in Abu Dhabi, Rashid helped Afghanistan post a formidable total. Afghanistan chose to bat first and compiled 287/9 in their allotted 50 overs. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a stunning innings of 127, Rashid Khan stole the spotlight with a fascinating performance.
Rashid blazed his way to a remarkable half-century in just 27 balls, marking Afghanistan’s third-fastest ODI fifty. His explosive knock of 55 off 30 deliveries included two fours and an astonishing five sixes. This relentless display of power-hitting left the Irish bowlers in awe. Ultimately, Ireland could only manage 271/9 in response, falling short by 16 runs.
2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman in 26 balls vs. Pakistan
Mujeeb Ur Rahman showcased his extraordinary batting prowess during Afghanistan’s ODI clash against Pakistan, securing the second-fastest half-century in the country’s history. In the third and final game in Colombo, Afghanistan found themselves in dire straits at 97/7 while chasing a challenging target of 269 runs. However, Mujeeb took charge of the situation, displaying remarkable skill and determination.
With just 26 balls, he blazed his way to a sensational fifty, ultimately amassing 64 runs off 37 deliveries. His innings were characterized by five boundaries and an equal number of sixes, igniting hopes of a miraculous comeback. Despite Mujeeb’s heroic efforts, Afghanistan could only muster 209 runs, falling short by 59 runs in a valiant but unsuccessful pursuit of victory.
1. Mohammad Nabi in 24 balls vs. Sri Lanka
In the crucial Asia Cup 2023 encounter against Sri Lanka at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the 38-year-old Afghanistan all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, etched his name in history with an awe-inspiring performance. Facing a daunting task, Sri Lanka set a target of 291/8 after winning the toss and batting first. Kusal Mendis was their standout performer, notching up 92 runs off 84 balls.
Afghanistan’s mission was clear: chase down the target within 37.1 overs to secure a spot in the Super 4 stage alongside Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Mohammad Nabi took center stage, displaying relentless power-hitting. His aggressive intent was evident as he blazed to a record-breaking half-century off just 24 balls, featuring six boundaries and three maximums. In doing so, he shattered Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s previous record for Afghanistan’s fastest ODI fifty, propelling his team closer to their Asia Cup 2023 dreams. However, Afghanistan fell by two runs short of the target.