The excitement for the T20 World Cup 2026 is already growing. All 20 teams are getting ready to fight for the title. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will begin on February 7. Fans can expect fast-paced matches and big moments.

Many young players are likely to play their first T20 World Cup and make a name for themselves. At the same time, this tournament could be the last World Cup for some senior players. Because of age or current form, a few experienced stars may not return for another edition.

Below are five players who could be playing their final T20 World Cup.

Also read -Former RCB all-rounder named as Australia's all-format captain ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

1. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Mohammad Nabi has been one of the most important players in Afghanistan’s cricket journey. From the early days to the world stage, he has helped the team grow with both bat and ball. Now 41 years old, the experienced all-rounder is close to the end of his career. With the next T20 World Cup after 2026 set for 2028, it is unlikely he will play again at the age of 43.

In T20 internationals, Nabi has scored 2,430 runs and taken 104 wickets. He has also led Afghanistan in three T20 World Cups. His calm leadership and fighting spirit helped Afghanistan earn respect in world cricket.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell is one of the most exciting batters in modern cricket. He is known for his fast scoring and creative shots. Maxwell can change a match in just a few overs.

His attacking style sometimes brings mixed results, but it has also produced many special moments. One of his best knocks was a T20I century against India in 2019. Maxwell has scored over 2,800 T20I runs and has also contributed with the ball.

3. Adil Rashid (England)

Adil Rashid has been a key player in England’s white-ball success. When England needed a strong leg-spinner, Rashid stepped up and became a regular wicket-taker.

He is England’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, with more than 140 wickets. Rashid has been effective in the middle overs and keeps his runs under control. With age catching up, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last.

4. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Fakhar Zaman has been an important part of Pakistan’s batting over the years. The left-handed opener is known for his power and fearless approach at the top of the order.

In T20 internationals, Fakhar has scored more than 2,300 runs. As Pakistan looks at younger players and Fakhar moves into his late 30s, this World Cup may be his final chance to perform on the big stage.

5. David Miller (South Africa)

David Miller is known for his strong finishing skills and big hitting. He has won many matches for South Africa with his aggressive batting.

Miller has scored over 2,600 runs in T20 internationals, including two centuries. With age and form becoming important factors, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last appearance in international T20 cricket.

The former Afghanistan captain, Mohammad Nabi, has blasted a reporter due to the question surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 controversy involving the left-arm Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the BCCI banned the pacer and forced the franchise to release him from their squad. 

While a lot has been talked and written about the incident, as one of the Bangladesh reporters asked Nabi to share his view on the controversy, the Afghanistan allrounder is currently playing for the Noakhali Express in the ongoing 2025/26 season of the बांग्लादेशी%20मीडिया%20ने%20मुस्तफिजुर%20को%20IPL%20से%20निकालने%20के%20बारे%20में%20सवाल%20पूछा%20

%20तो%20भड़के%20अफगानिस्तान%20के%20नबी%20pic.twitter.com/62oIyLdZ8w

Noakhali Express will take on Rangpur Riders in Match No. 20 of the BPL 2025–26 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The Express find themselves under immense pressure after losing all five of their matches, leaving them stuck at the bottom of the table. With their campaign at risk, they will be desperate to produce a strong turnaround. Having another game scheduled earlier in the day against Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali will be hoping to gain momentum and pick up crucial points that could help revive their struggling season.

See Also: [WATCH] Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja’s emotional farewell leaves his wife in tears at the SCG

In contrast, the Rangpur Riders are enjoying a strong run in the tournament and currently sit second on the points table with four victories from five games. Their consistent performances have kept them firmly in the race for the top spot. High on confidence, Rangpur will look to continue their winning streak and further strengthen their position in the standings. With a well-balanced squad firing across departments, they will aim to deliver another dominant display and apply pressure on the teams above them in the ongoing league phase.

BPL 2025-26, Match 20, NOE vs RGR: Live Streaming Details

BPL 2025-26, Match 20, NOE vs RGR: Probable Playing XI

Noakhali Express (NOE):

Soumya Sarkar, Maaz Sadaqat, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mahidul Islam Ankon (wk), Jaker Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Haider Ali (c), Hasan Mahmud, Zahir Khan, Abu Jayed, Mehedi Hasan Rana

Rangpur Riders (RGR):

Kyle Mayers, Litton Das, Dawid Malan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Khushdil Shah, Nurul Hasan (c) (wk), Aliss Al Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Akif Javed, Rakibul Hasan

India’s Hardik Pandya and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi continue to dominate the ICC Men’s T20I all-rounder rankings, holding the No. 1 and No. 2 positions respectively. Both cricketers remain central figures for their teams in the Asia Cup 2025.

Nabi showcased his all-round brilliance against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. He hammered a quick-fire 60 off just 22 balls, which included three fours and six maximums. With the ball, he bowled three tight overs and picked up one wicket for 20 runs. However, his efforts went in vain as Sri Lanka chased 170 with ease, ending Afghanistan’s run in the tournament.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya is yet to unleash his full potential in this Asia Cup. He will be in action later today (Friday, September 19), when India lock horns with Oman in Abu Dhabi. So far, Hardik has bowled in two games, claiming one wicket, but hasn’t had a chance to bat.

See Also: Oman cricketer who quit India in 2021 to reunite with old friend Kuldeep Yadav

Statistical Comparison Between Mohammad Nabi and Hardik Pandya:

As Pandya and Nabi keep showcasing their skills in T20Is, their numbers after 116 games each present an interesting comparison, highlighting the consistency and impact both all-rounders have brought to the format over the years.

• Batting Records Comparison: Highest Runs Scored:

Afghanistan’s seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has featured in 139 T20Is, scoring 2,357 runs in 130 innings at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 136.55, including seven half-centuries. In his first 116 matches, he accumulated 1,976 runs in 108 innings.

India’s Hardik Pandya, who debuted in January 2016, has played 116 T20Is, scoring 1,812 runs in 90 innings. Both players have been pivotal for their teams, contributing consistently with the bat and offering valuable experience in the shortest format of the game. Their performances highlight their importance as top all-rounders in international T20 cricket.

• Batting Average and Scoring Rate:

In his first 116 T20Is, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi scored 1,976 runs from 108 innings, maintaining an average of 22.45 and a strike rate of 138.96. He notched up five half-centuries, with his highest score being a rapid 89 off 30 balls against Ireland at Greater Noida in 2017.

India’s Hardik Pandya, across the same number of matches, has amassed 1,812 runs in 90 innings, averaging 27.87 with a strike rate of 141.67. He too has five fifties to his name, with his top performance being an unbeaten 71 off 30 balls against Australia at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in 2022.

• Runs Contributed in Victories:

In his first 116 T20Is, Mohammad Nabi featured in 70 wins for Afghanistan. Across those matches, he scored 1418 runs in 62 innings, maintaining an average of 31.51 with a strike rate of 154.74. He also recorded five half-centuries during this period.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has represented India in 116 T20Is, with the team winning 83 of them. In these victories, he has contributed 1210 runs in 60 innings. The Indian all-rounder averages 30.25 with a strike rate of 154.34 and has registered three half-centuries, showcasing his ability to play a key role in successful run chases.

• Bowling Records Comparison: Leading Wicket-Takers:

Mohammad Nabi has represented Afghanistan in 139 T20Is, where he has bagged 102 wickets at an average of 27.86, maintaining a strike rate of 23.04 and an economy rate of 7.26. His standout bowling effort came with figures of 4/10. In his first 116 outings, the veteran off-spinner had already collected 88 wickets.

In comparison, Hardik Pandya has turned out in 116 T20Is for India, bowling in 104 of them and picking up 95 wickets. The Indian all-rounder’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him a consistent option with the ball across different phases of the innings.

• Bowling Performance: Average and Strike Rate:

In his first 116 T20I appearances, Mohammad Nabi secured 88 wickets. He bowled with an average of 28.60, a strike rate of 23.30, and kept things relatively tight with an economy rate of 7.37. His best figures during this stretch stood at 4/10, highlighting his ability to deliver breakthroughs.

Hardik Pandya, over the same number of matches, has slightly better numbers in certain aspects. The Indian all-rounder has picked up 95 wickets, maintaining an average of 26.62 and an impressive strike rate of 19.38. While his economy rate of 8.24 is higher, his best performance came with figures of 4/16.

• Impact with Ball in Victories:

Mohammad Nabi played a key role in 70 wins for Afghanistan during his first 116 T20I matches. Across these games, he picked up 63 wickets in 67 innings, averaging 23.70 with a strike rate of 20.44 and an economy rate of 6.95. His standout bowling spell was 4/10.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has been part of 83 victories in his 116-match T20I journey. In these matches, he has taken 81 wickets in 75 innings, maintaining an average of 21.73 and a strike rate of 16.36, though his economy stands at 7.97. His best figures remain 4/16.

After match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was surprised to find out about Dunith Wellalage's father tragic death. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informed Dunith of his father, Suranga Wellalage’s, untimely passing on Thursday, September 18, after the conclusion of the game.

Nabi, who had faced Wellalage earlier in the match, only learned about the news while heading back to the team bus after Afghanistan’s six-wicket loss. A group of journalists informed him of the tragic development, leaving Nabi stunned and apologetic as he tried to process the information. Jayasuriya and Sri Lanka's team manager consoled the 22-year-old before he packed up his equipment and made his way from the dugout to the pavilion.

Earlier in the game, Nabi had hammered Wellalage for five sixes in the final over of Afghanistan’s innings. Even though he made a late blitz, Afghanistan was still not enough to save them from a six-wicket defeat and thus their departure from the tournament. Kusal Mendis (74* off 52) took the Player of the Match award with him after his brilliant innings, which led Sri Lanka to win.

Solidarity and Support from the Cricketing Community

The cricket community, which includes Nabi and Sri Lanka Cricket, has sent a message of support to Dunith Wellalage during this difficult time. The young bowler was energetic and sharp during his three-overs spell for 17 runs before the heartbreak in final over; however, he was able to demonstrate his talent in the middle amidst the tragedy

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A post shared by 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 (@emotions_45264)

See Also: 'It is a Huge and Very Proud Moment' – Indian Test captain praises Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of Women’s World Cup

This incident highlights the emotional challenge a player can experience, even in the middle of a game. Though in sorrow, Wellalage also showed great control over his game and the solidarity of not only the team but also the cricket community has been very important in the process of his healing.

Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi showed he can still perform at 40 with a brilliant display in the Asia Cup 2025 match against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on September 18. With Afghanistan needing a win to move forward, Nabi scored a fast 60 off 22 balls, hitting six sixes.

He took Afghanistan from 79/6 to a total of 169/8 in 20 overs. Nabi also bowled well, giving only 20 runs in 3 overs and taking 1 wicket. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough, and Afghanistan lost by six wickets, ending their tournament run. Despite the loss, Nabi has made himself a player to watch for the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

3 Teams That Should Target Mohammad Nabi in IPL 2026

Veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction after a mediocre 2024 season for Mumbai Indians (MI). But with several teams needing a spin-bowling all-rounder, Nabi is likely to get many bidders in the IPL 2026 auction.

Also Read -[WATCH] 'Yuvi Paaji’s Six Sixes Inspired a Generation” – Indian stars share their memories ahead of Asia Cup 2025

1. SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH came into IPL 2025 with high expectations after finishing runners-up in 2024. But they won only six out of 14 matches and missed the playoffs. One major problem was the lack of a reliable all-rounder and an experienced T20 spinner. By signing Nabi, SRH can fill both gaps.

With stars like Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins, SRH has strong overseas players. Yet, the fourth overseas option for spin-bowling and all-rounder roles, like Adam Zampa or Kamindu Mendis, did not perform. Nabi could be the ideal No. 7 with the bat and a reliable spinner with the ball. His age should not be a problem for their short-term and long-term goals.

2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR has struggled to find a good all-rounder for No. 6 or 7. IPL 2025 was no different, and they finished second from bottom with only four wins. They relied on Sri Lankan spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. But together they took only 22 wickets at an average of 35 and economy of nearly 9.5. Hasaranga also scored only 9 runs in 11 matches. An in-form Nabi could replace Theekshana as an off-spinner or Hasaranga as the spin-bowling all-rounder, helping RR improve next season.

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS reached the IPL 2025 final and are a win-now team. They have most areas covered, but a spin-bowling all-rounder could help in crucial matches. Looking at IPL 2025 winners RCB, spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya played a key role. PBKS has Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal as spinners, and Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai as pace-bowling all-rounders. But a finger spinner who can also bat was missing. Adding Nabi while keeping their core team makes PBKS strong contenders for their first IPL title next year.

Just after the six-wicket defeat for Afghanistan against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheik Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, to be disqualified from the tournament, Mohammed Nabi was just leaving the stadium when he was left shocked to hear the news of Dunith Wellalage’s father’s death. Due to Sri Lanka’s win, Bangladesh also qualified for the Super 4 stage of the competition.

After the victory of the Charith Asalanka-led side by six wickets, Wellalage was informed of the news as their head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, and captain consoled them about the death of Dunith Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, who was regarded as a well-known player, captaining the Prince of Wales College during the same period Russell Arnold led St Peter’s College.

See Also: [WATCH] 'Childish behaviour...'- Murli Karthik laughs at Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 boycott drama

“Father? How? Herat attack? Really? I am sorry.” Mohammad Nabi, the veteran all-rounder of the side and the former, expressed his concern when he was informed about the same by a few journalists outside the venue, as he looked worried on his face and expressed his condolences.

Watch: Mohammad Nabi expresses condolences on Dunith Wellalage’s demise after Asia Cup 2025 contest

Rashid Khan won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface they expected to get slow in the second innings. However, their batting didn’t click at all and got restricted to 79/6 in 12.1 overs. By the time their captain got out, they were 114/7 before Nabi took 32 runs in the last over, including the five successive sixes, and celebrated 60 runs in just 22 balls at a strike rate of 272.73.

Moments when journalists informed Mohammad Nabi about the passing and sudden heart attack of Wellalage’s father.
Deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.#AFGvSL #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/H80JGdUnuW

— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) September 18, 2025

In reply, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Kusal Mendis, the wicket-keeper batter, was the biggest contributor with an unbeaten 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31, while Kamindu Mendis remained undefeated on 26 runs in 13 balls to complete the chase.

Sri Lanka will now face Bangladesh in the first Super 4 stage of the event on September 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while Afghanistan has been eliminated from the competition.

Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi rescued his nation from a troubled situation in the first innings in their must-win group stage game against the defending champions Sri Lanka (T20 Asia Cup) in the Asia Cup 2025. During his stormy batting performance, the right-handed middle-order batter created history for his nation by equalling a record.

In their must-win game to qualify for the Super Fours, Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, they were losing wickets at regular intervals, as they were once struggling at 114/7 in the 18th over. Afghanistan were struggling at 137/7 in 19 overs, as a 150+ target was still very hard to achieve.

See Also: Azmatullah Omarzai dismisses dangerous Pathum Nissanka during SL vs AFG clash in Asia Cup 2025

Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes in final over

However, Mohammad Nabi was in the mood as he guided the team to 169/8 in 20 overs with 32 runs in the final over, including five sixes in consecutive legal deliveries. He completed his seventh T20I half-century in just 20 balls, which equalled the record of fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter. 

In their match against Hong Kong in the group stage of this Asia Cup 2025, Azmatullah Omarzai scored a 20-ball fifty to set a new record for the fastest T20I half-century for the country by breaking the joint record of 21-ball half-centuries. 

Fastest T20I fifties by an Afghanistan batter (by balls faced)

• 20 balls - Azmatullah Omarzai vs Hong Kong (Abu Dhabi, 2025)

• 20 balls - Mohammad Nabi vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi, 2025)

• 21 balls - Mohammad Nabi vs Ireland (Greater Noida, 2017)

• 21 balls - Gulbadin Naib vs India (Bengaluru, 2024)

Mohammad Nabi slammed a 22-ball 60 with the help of three fours and six sixes, which helped Afghanistan to achieve a fighting total of 169/8 in 20 overs. 

By the end of 18 overs during Afghanistan’s clash against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi during the Asia Cup 2025, they lost their captain, Rashid Khan, and were struggling for 120/7 in 18 overs of the first innings. None of their batters fired in the department as they needed to somehow cross the 150-run mark.

On the first three balls of the 19th over against Dushmantha Chameera, Mohammad Nabi clubbed three successive boundaries. The first one was timed into the third man region for a boundary, while the third one was squeezed through the inside edge past the stumps for the same result. The second ball was heaved into the mid-wicket for another four.

See Also: Robin Uthappa reveals how ‘twisted interview’ created rift between him and Karun Nair in 2016-17 season

But the biggest entertainment came in the last over. Due to his calculation of using the premier bowlers at the start, Charith Asalanka had to bring Dunith Wellalage into the 20th and last over of the innings, and Nabi took full advantage of that situation. He hammered the first ball down the ground over long-off for a six.

Watch: Mohammed Nabi smashes five successive sixes in Asia Cup 2025

The second ball of the over was slow in the air, but Nabi got under it and cleared the deep mid-wicket fence for another over boundary. The third ball of the over was on his leg as the right-handed batter cleared his front leg and lofted it down the ground for an 88m six. The fourth ball, as expected under pressure, was fired wide of the crease, and it turned out to be a no-ball.

Mohammad Nabi vs Dunith Wellalage | Afghanistan Inning Last Over

6, 6, 6, 1NB, 6, 6, 1W pic.twitter.com/w7F0eXxHEx

— PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) September 18, 2025

The fourth ball was darted outside the off-stump as Nabi slammed it over the wide long-off region for a six to raise his bat and celebrated the joint fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan in 20 balls. The fifth ball was offered readymade with width as the batter heaved it towards the cow corner for another six.

He finished with 60 runs in 22 balls with the help of three boundaries and six over boundaries at a strike rate of 272.73 as Afghanistan fired their way to 169/8 in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings.

The Afghanistan team will be upset with the loss against Pakistan in the final of the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025. However, the side has displayed good form in the last few months and shall take inspiration from that. 

On the other hand, the Hong Kong team will have a tough test in their opening game. The team has struggled against the associate nations in the last few months and faces a bigger challenge in this game. Their batters must do well against the Afghan spinners. 

AFG vs HK Match Details

Date: 9th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

AFG vs HK Weather Report

Clear weather

Also Read: ENG vs SA, 1st T20I Match Prediction– Who will win the Match?

Top Batters AFG vs HK

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) - 1781 runs in T20I 

• Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) - 1299 runs in T20I 

• Nizakat Khan (HK) - 2266 runs in T20I 

Top Bowler AFG vs HK

• Rashid Khan (AFG) - 170 wickets in T20I 

• Mohammad Nabi (AFG) - 101 wickets in T20I 

• Ehsan Khan (HK) - 127 wickets in T20I 

AFG vs HK Recent Performance

AFG vs HK Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 170-185 runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 30-50 runs

Scenario 2- If HK bats first

• First Innings score prediction- HK is expected to score 120-140 runs.

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 8 wickets 

AFG vs HK Predicted Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Hong Kong (HK) Playing XI 

Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Martin Coetzee, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan, Kincht Shah, Adil Mehmood.

AFG vs HK Complete Squad

Afghanistan - 

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Hong Kong -

Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed, Ehsan Khan.

AFG vs HK Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rashid Khan will be key players to watch out for.