Published: Apr 17, 2017, 08:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 17, 2017, 08:44 PM (IST)
In match 19 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017, Mohammad Nabi made historic IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) versus Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Monday. After warming the benches for the first 4 games, Afghanistan‘s prolific all-rounder got a chance in place of Ben Cutting. However, his debut has been termed historic as this is the first such instance of two Associate nation players featuring together in an IPL match. Nabi’s countryman Rashid Khan has already wreaked havoc in the opposition camps in the league, and his senior pro will be eager to make a mark instantly as well. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kings XI Punjab – Match 19
Nabi has been a vital cog in Afghanistan’s line-up and has played some blinders in the shortest format of the game. His recent heroics include a 30-ball 89 against Ireland in a three-match series played at Greater NOIDA last month. His innings involved 6 fours and 9 sixes, which truly speaks about his credentials with the long handle. Nabi will also be valuable with the ball and the SRH camp will be hoping that he tests KXIP’s big hitters during the chase.
Nabi, picked for INR 30 lakhs in IPL auction, has a strike rate of 141.05 with the bat in T20Is and holds an impressive economy rate of 7.16. He will like to take a leaf from Rashid’s performances in IPL 10. Rashid, sold for INR 4 crores, has already scalped 7 wickets at an economy rate of 6.43. His googlies have been difficult to pick and is currently sitting pretty at the fourth spot in the Purple Cap list. Afghanistan’s two star players’ presence will boost the confidence of their national side, who are ticking all the boxes, especially in this format.
