Nabi eyes Champions Trophy as Afghanistan clinch third straight ODI series

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi is aiming to help Afghanistan to their first major title at next year’s ICC Champions Trophy event.

The 39-year-old played a massive part in ensuring Afghanistan clinched a 2-1 series triumph over Bangladesh in Sharjah on Monday as they registered a narrow five-wicket victory on the back of an eighth ODI century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

It was Afghanistan’s third consecutive series victory following successes over Ireland and South Africa earlier this year and comes on the back of an excellent recent run at the most recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that has seen the side become one of the most exciting white-ball teams in the world.

While Nabi knows he is entering the final stages of his glittering international career, the talented all-rounder is eyeing off next year’s Champions Trophy event as his final chance to win an ICC trophy.

“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,” said Nabi after he was named Player of the Series against Bangladesh.

“Just small contributions from my side to the youngsters and my insight to them will be more useful.” Nabi contributed 135 runs and two wickets across the series against Bangladesh, with his valuable 34* at the end helping Afghanistan chase down their opponents total of 244/8 with just 10 deliveries remaining at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Fellow all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was adjudged Player of the Match during the third contest for his four wickets with the ball and unbeaten 70* alongside Nabi at the end of the chase, while Gurbaz found form with a blistering innings of 101 at the top of the batting order.

It was Gurbaz’s third ODI century of the year and eighth overall and helps the dashing right-hander move further ahead on the list for most ODI hundreds of any player from Afghanistan.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy event next year scheduled for February and March in Pakistan, Afghanistan will travel to Zimbabwe for a multi-format tour that includes three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches in Bulawayo.