GHENNAI: Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday, scoring his 1,000th run in men’s T20 internationals during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The 34-year-old accomplished this feat in the eighth over of Afghanistan’s innings, reaching the landmark with a well-timed push for his seventh run of the match. This made Naib the ninth Afghan batter to cross the 1,000-run mark in T20Is, solidifying his place among the nation’s cricketing elite.
Naib’s journey in T20 cricket has been one of consistency and resilience. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he has often played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s middle order. Over the years, Naib has developed into a reliable performer, capable of turning matches with crucial innings under pressure.
This milestone places Naib alongside some of Afghanistan’s top T20 run-scorers, including Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran. His achievement highlights not only his personal excellence but also the growth of Afghanistan as a competitive T20 side on the global stage.
Fans and cricket analysts praised Naib’s accomplishment, noting that reaching 1,000 T20I runs is a testament to his perseverance and skill in the shortest format of the game. Despite facing some of the best bowlers in the world, Naib has consistently showcased his adaptability, combining technical proficiency with aggressive stroke play.
During Sunday’s match, Afghanistan looked to build momentum after a challenging start against the formidable New Zealand lineup. Naib’s innings played a stabilizing role, allowing the team to post competitive runs and keep their hopes alive in the opening fixture of the T20 World Cup.
Over the course of his T20I career, Naib has amassed runs across various conditions and against top international teams. His experience has become invaluable for the Afghan squad, particularly in high-pressure tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Teammates often rely on his composure and leadership during crunch situations, making him a central figure in the team’s strategy.
As Afghanistan continues its campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Naib’s milestone will serve as a source of inspiration for younger players and fans alike. It underscores the progress of Afghan cricket, which has steadily risen in prominence since the nation earned its T20I status.
Naib’s achievement also emphasizes the importance of consistency and adaptability in T20 cricket. While explosive batting often grabs headlines, milestones like reaching 1,000 runs reflect sustained contributions over time—a hallmark of true cricketing excellence.
With several key matches ahead in the tournament, fans will watch closely to see if Naib can add to his tally and help Afghanistan advance further in the competition. His journey serves as a reminder that dedication, skill, and perseverance can create memorable moments in international cricket.
Afghanistan batter with 1000-plus runs in men’s T20Is
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 2166 runs
Mohammad Shahzad – 2048 runs
Najibullah Zadran – 1830 runs
Ibrahim Zadran – 1705 runs
Asghar Afghan – 1382 runs
Hazratullah Zazai – 1160 runs
Samiullah Shinwari – 1013 runs
Gulbadin Naib – 1000 runs
Naib crowned the milestone with a commanding performance, top-scoring with a fluent 63 off 35 deliveries, laced with four fours and three sixes. His knock proved pivotal as Afghanistan posted a competitive 182/6 against New Zealand.
Apart from Naib, Sediqullah Atal contributed 29, Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 27, and Darwish Rasooli added a quick 20, helping Afghanistan build a strong total in their tournament opener.
Read More: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan Wins Toss vs New Zealand
