AFG vs SCO: Afghanistan put in a clinical performance with both bat and ball to thrash Scotland by 55 runs in an ICC T20 World Cup warm-up match played in Trinidad.
Gulbadin Naib stars with explosive fifty
Opting to bat first after losing their chance to bat against Oman, Afghanistan got off to a flying start thanks to a quickfire innings from Gulbadin Naib.
The all-rounder smashed 20 runs off the second over, including two sixes, to set the tone for a big total. While openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran fell cheaply, Naib continued his onslaught, reaching a blistering fifty off just 21 balls.
Afghanistan stutter but recover
Despite Naib’s heroics, Afghanistan lost momentum after his dismissal in the 10th over. Scotland’s bowlers, led by Mark Watt and Bradley Currie, took regular wickets to restrict the flow of runs. However, a late cameo from captain Rashid Khan (15 off 7) helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 178/8.
Spinners take control for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s potent bowling attack wasted no time in making inroads. Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck early to break the opening stand, while Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed the dangerous George Munsey with a superb yorker.
The spin duo of Mujeeb and Rashid then took center stage, picking up crucial wickets to strangle the Scottish batting line-up. Karim Janat chipped in with wickets lower down, ensuring Scotland never recovered from early setbacks.
More on T20 WC:
Clinical win sets up ICC T20 World Cup challenge
This dominant performance will be a huge confidence booster for Afghanistan as they head into the T20 World Cup. They begin their campaign against Uganda on June 4th, while Scotland will face arch-rivals England in their opening match.
