Mohammad Nabi’s last match

Yes, the series deciding match that Afghanistan won against Bangladesh yesterday was the last ODI match of the star all-rounder Mohammad Nabi in their home-ground, Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

With the series win against Bangladesh, Afghanistan has won their third straight series,

Mohammad Nabi, those who have seen or follow Afghanistan men’s cricket team, know who Nabi is and what his involvement was with the team and what his contributions have brought to Afghanistan team.

Nabi is one of those players who has set the motion for Afghanistan cricket team to become what they have become today.

He was one of the first group of players that made the world believe that Afghanistan is not a team to take lightly and what potential their players have.

And yesterday’s match against Bangladesh was his last match in their home ground which is, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in UAE.  

Though it will not be his last ODI match as he indicated that he will retire after the upcoming ICC Champions trophy saying, “"In my mind from the last (50-over) World Cup, I thought of retiring but if I can play one Champions Trophy it will be great for me."  

And urged support and contribution from the young player "Just small contributions from my side to the youngsters and my insight to them will be more useful."

It is Nabi’s last opportunity to win an ICC event.

Nabi is currently the world’s number 1 ranked all-rounder, and he has never been to far behind either.

At the age of 40, Nabi was also named the man of match of the recent series against Bangladesh scoring 135 runs, while taking two wickets in three ODI matches of the series.

Nabi has played a total of 33 matches in their home ground and has scored 748 runs in 28 innings, and took 39 wickets. And he has played his last ODI in their home ground, though that day is not far when Mohammad Nabi retires, but good news is that the cricket fans will be able see him perform and enjoy his playing style for some more time.

After his debut against Scotland in 2009, He has scored 3600 runs and took 172 wickets in ODI format. Nabi is a role model for the young players of Afghanistan, he has shown courage and shown that how anything can be made possible through hard work and sheer will power.

And today Afghanistan being a war struck country have gone to such heights where no one had ever believed or thought they could go, and players like Nabi were the one’s who weaved this road through their belief and determination.  
Mohammad Nabi a leader, a believer, an inspiration for Afghanistan cricket and a true legend of world cricket.