Against South Africa at Karachi today (February 21), Afganistan’s Mohammad Nabi became one of the oldest players to feature in a Champions Trophy match.
One of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket, Nabi captained them at the 2015 World Cup (as well as in the 2014, 2021, and 2022 T20 World Cups). He has played over 170 ODIs so far, with many of them coming before Afghanistan became a Full Member. In his long career, he has 3,618 runs and 172 wickets.
Afghanistan’s stellar run in the 2023 ODI World Cup earned them a maiden Champions Trophy berth, providing Nabi the opportunity to enter the elusive club.
At 40 years and 51 days, Nabi became the sixth-oldest player to play a Champions Trophy match. Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (40y 89d), USA's Mark Johnson (40y 321d), Tony Reid (42y 157d), Clayton Lambert (42y 213d) and Donovan Blake (42y 284d) are the only other players ahead of Nabi.
Having retired from Tests in 2019, Nabi had earlier said that the 2025 Champions Trophy would be his last. However, he recently hinted at reconsidering the decision, expressing his desire to continue until he plays alongside his son, Hassan Eisakhil.
After being asked to field first, Nabi was summoned by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi in the sixth over of the South Africa innings. He responded by dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi with a back-of-length delivery around off, which turned away from the batter. De Zorzi’s miscued hit fell in the hands of Azmatullah Omarzai at mid-on.
The President Strikes Straightaway! ⚡@MohammadNabi007 comes in and makes an impact straightaway as he gets Tony de Zorzi for 11 to give Afghanistan their first in the game. 🤩
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 21, 2025
🇿🇦: 30/1 (6.0 Overs)#AfghanAtalan | #ChampionsTrophy | #AFGvSA | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/kRxmG4YiG1
Oldest Champions Trophy players: Full list
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