Afghanistan Dominate Scotland in T20 World Cup Warm-up Clash
Afghanistan demonstrated their formidable prowess in a convincing 55-run victory over Scotland in a T20 World Cup warm-up fixture at the Port of Spain in Trinidad.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a blistering start, thanks to an explosive innings from all-rounder Gulbadin Naib. Naib smashed 20 runs off the second over, including two fours and two sixes, setting the tone for Afghanistan’s innings. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran fell to attacking shots, Naib continued his onslaught, reaching a 21-ball half-century in the sixth over.
“Naib’s relentless assault kept the scoreboard ticking.”
Even as Omarzai provided stability, Naib’s relentless assault kept the scoreboard ticking. However, his innings of 64 off 29 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and six sixes, came to an end in the 10th over. From there, the Afghanistan batting lost its momentum, with Mark Watt and Bradley Currie leading the Scotland bowling charge.
Captain Rashid Khan’s late cameo of 15 off seven balls helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 178/8.
In response, the Afghanistan bowlers struck early, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq dismissing the Scottish openers. The spin duo of Mujeeb and Rashid Khan then tightened their grip on the game, with the latter removing Scotland captain Richie Berrington.
Karim Janat further dented the Scottish lower order, and the innings eventually fizzled out as they fell short by 55 runs.
This comprehensive victory completed Afghanistan’s preparation for the T20 World Cup, with their first match scheduled against Uganda on June 4. Scotland, on the other hand, will face England in their tournament opener in Barbados.
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