New Delhi: Afghanistan cricket marks a historic milestone as they face South Africa in their first-ever Champions Trophy match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Among the key players in their lineup is seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who has already made an immediate impact on his tournament debut. In fact, the veteran cricketer has etched his name in history with a remarkable performance in his very first ICC Champions Trophy 2025 appearance.
In the fifth over of the South Africa innings, Mohammad Nabi struck for the Afghanistan team, as he removed star opener Tony de Zorzi. He thus picked up a wicket on his Champions Trophy debut at the age of 40 years and 51 days. He becomes the first player to take a wicket on Champions Trophy debut for a Test playing nation after turning 40 years old.
Mohammad Nabi is now the fourth-oldest player to make his debut in the Champions Trophy. Additionally, he holds the record as the oldest player from a Test-playing nation to feature in the tournament for the first time.
Mohammad Nabi is now the fourth-oldest player to make his debut in the Champions Trophy at 40 years and 51 days. He is also the oldest player from a Test-playing nation to feature in the tournament for the first time.
Here is the list of the oldest players to make their Champions Trophy debut:
Donovan Blake (USA) – 42 years, 284 days vs AUS, Southampton, 2004
Tony Reid (USA) – 42 years, 154 days vs NZ, The Oval, 2004
Mark Johnson (USA) – 40 years, 318 days vs NZ, The Oval, 2004
Mohammad Nabi (AFG) – 40 years, 51 days vs PAK, Karachi, 2025
Howard Johnson (USA) – 40 years, 25 days vs NZ, The Oval, 2004
Mohammad Nabi followed this up later in the innings as he struck gold once again. He removed the dangerous South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. The South Africa skipper was looking to take the game away as he scored a half-century. He also stitched a massive 129-run partnership with Ryan Rickleton, who scored century helping South Africa towards a big total.
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