Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi eye ‘Historic Milestones’ ahead of crucial Bangladesh clash News24 –
As Afghanistan gears up to face Bangladesh in a must-win Group B clash at the Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday in Dubai, the spotlight won’t just be on team qualification – it’ll also shine brightly on two of the nation’s biggest cricketing icons – Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.
This high-stakes match has plenty riding on it. With Sri Lanka already through to the Super Four, Afghanistan will be desperate to secure their spot with a win. On the other hand, Bangladesh, who have won one and lost one so far, will be just as motivated to keep their campaign alive and tighten the Super Four race.
But amidst the team dynamics and tournament tension, individual brilliance is quietly brewing.
Rashid Khan: One Wicket Away from a Magical 200
Already a modern-day legend and Afghanistan’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Rashid Khan is now just one wicket away from becoming the first Afghan player to reach 200 international wickets.
In 114 international matches, Rashid has scalped 199 wickets at an impressive average of 20.40 and an economy rate of 4.24. His best figures – a staggering 7/18, speak volumes about his match-winning potential. Add to that five five-wicket hauls, and you have a spinner who has redefined Afghan cricket on the global stage.
In T20Is alone, the 26-year-old sensation is the world’s leading wicket-taker, with 169 wickets at an average of 13.68, a miserly economy of 6.06, and best figures of 5/3. Whether it’s franchise leagues or international pressure cookers, Rashid has delivered, time and again.
Mohammad Nabi: Chasing 6,000 International Runs
At the other end of the Afghanistan cricket timeline stands Mohammad Nabi – affectionately dubbed “The President” – a stalwart who has been with the team since their ICC Associate days.
Nabi is now just 18 runs shy of becoming the first Afghan cricketer to cross 6,000 international runs – a testament to his consistency, adaptability, and longevity.
In 313 appearances, Nabi has scored 5,982 runs at an average of 24.51, striking at over 100. His record includes two centuries and 23 fifties, with a best of 136. In T20Is, he is Afghanistan’s top scorer, amassing 2,282 runs in 137 matches, averaging 22.15 at a strike rate of 135.10.
Beyond the numbers, Nabi has been the glue of Afghan cricket – a mentor, captain, and inspiration rolled into one.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh: A Game with Everything at Stake
With qualification, pride, and personal glory all on the line, the clash at Dubai promises fireworks. Can Rashid etch his name deeper into the record books? Will Nabi add another historic feather to his cap?
For fans, this isn’t just about who wins or loses – it’s a celebration of how far Afghanistan cricket has come, led by two legends who’ve defined its rise.