Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi and his son Hassan Eisakhil etched their names into cricket history by becoming the first father-son duo to bat together in a top-tier T20 league, during Noakhali Express’ Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash against Dhaka Capitals in Sylhet on Sunday.
The historic moment came as the crowning glory of a match-winning knock from Eisakhil, who struck a superb 92 runs to guide Noakhali to their first victory of the tournament after a difficult start. Playing his first overseas franchise match, the young batter announced himself on the big stage with composure and authority beyond his years.
Eisakhil, handed his Noakhali cap by his father before the toss, justified the team management’s faith instantly. Batting with maturity, he hammered seven fours and five sixes in a 60-ball stay, having earlier shared a commanding 101-run opening partnership with Soumya Sarkar. His most memorable stand, however, came later in the innings, a 53-run fourth-wicket partnership with Nabi, marking a once-in-a-generation cricketing moment.
There were unmistakable echoes of Nabi in Eisakhil’s technique. The low grip, relaxed stance and elegant strokeplay, particularly his confident driving and authoritative pull shots, reflected a familiar lineage. While Nabi contributed a brisk 17 off 13 balls, it was Eisakhil who dominated the partnership, even offering his father insights into bowlers’ variations and shot selection mid-innings.
The emotional significance of the moment was not lost on the cricketing fraternity. Dhaka Capitals wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a long-time Afghanistan teammate of Nabi, warmly embraced both players as they came together at the crease. The sight symbolised not just family pride, but a rare passing of the torch on a professional stage.
Nabi, who has trained extensively with his son during the BPL, even bowling and doing throwdowns for him, has already witnessed Eisakhil’s growing confidence in competitive cricket. Their on-field reunion was a natural extension of years of shared preparation, discipline and belief.
As Noakhali look to build momentum after their breakthrough win, Eisakhil’s performance has all but sealed his place in the XI, opening the door for more father-son moments that may never be replicated in elite T20 cricket.
In a tournament defined by overseas stars and high-octane drama, cricket found its most heartwarming storyline yet, a father and son, side by side, making history with the bat.
