Dan Christian fends off 'dodgy prawn', Rashid Khan for record

It eclipsed another incredible game for Nabi's Afghanistan team-mate Rashid Khan, who finished with 2/13.

Christian and Nabi added an unbroken 94 runs – the highest for the sixth wicket in the history of the BBL – in just eight overs to snatch a five-wicket win on Sunday, 23 December. They chased down a target of 176 with five balls to spare. This after the ever-impressive Khan had reduced their side from 71/1 to 82/5.

Just 12 hours before, however, Christian had been in hospital, receiving treatment for a bad bout of food poisoning. He'd spent the night ill, drained and restless, and was administered an injection and saline solution to help him regain strength.

"I was a bit crook this morning, I had a bit of gastro," the batsman said after the game. "I went in for a bit of hydration and a jab to stop myself from being sick.

"A dodgy prawn, I think. I didn't feel great after dinner last night then woke up pretty rough about four this morning and got to hospital about 7.30-8. I slept all afternoon but was fine by the time the game started."

Showing no signs of discomfort, he smashed 49 off 27 balls, including five massive sixes. Nabi matched his efforts with 48 off 30 balls, as the duo saw off the dangerous Khan before going on the attack.

Khan's figures were only ruined somewhat by a straight six that Nabi took him for, with the national team-mates sharing smiles at their little battle. ‘‘He [Nabi] said, 'You bowled the wrong one and I hit it,’’’ Rashid said with a laugh. ‘‘I just said, 'I bowled it a bit fuller, that’s why you did it.’ It was fun.’’

The spinner, who is nearing a record 100 T20 wickets for the year, explained his philosophy. ‘‘Even when a mis-hit goes for six, I always back myself and my good deliveries,’’ he said. ‘‘With a bad delivery, an 80-90m boundary can become short."