Blow to Renegades: AGH all-rounder leaves BBL for national duty

Melbourne Renegades have received a massive blow ahead of their semi-final match against Sydney Sixers as all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has to leave the Big Bash League to participate in a preparatory camp conducted by Afghanistan cricket board.

Nabi’s skills will be missed: Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald, the head coach of the franchise said that they are disappointed to lose a player on the eve of the finals series but at the same time they understand the rules around international call ups and know there can be some unpredictability around when players are called into camp.

Mohammad Nabi will miss the rest of the @BBL after the Afghan Cricket Board requested his early departure to join up with the national squad.

The President is in demand.

Full details: https://t.co/6OEpDJr82c#GETONRED pic.twitter.com/ktnLGPYB2j

— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) February 9, 2019

McDonald noted that Nabi has been a valuable contributor throughout the season and his skills with bat and ball as well as leadership abilities will be missed. He explained that they are proud of the way they have been able to cover the absence of key players throughout the season and they are confident in the depth of their squad.

He feels that there is now an exciting opportunity for someone to come into the team and play an important role for the team.

Mohammad Nabi’s impressive contribution for Renegades

The Afghanistan all-rounder was a key batsman for Renegades in the middle order. He is their third highest run-scorer this season and has scored 228 runs in 13 innings.

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At the same time he was effective with the ball as well. His off-spin bowling in the Powerplay overs allowed Renegades to dictate the terms in the early phase of the game. Nabi has taken eight wickets in this year’s BBL for Renegades at an economy rate of 7.38.

Renegades to play sixers in semi-finals

Renegades are expected to meet Sydney sixers in the semi-finals of the Big Bash tournament. The semi-final games will be played on 14th and 15th February while the final will be played on 17th February.