Afghanistan excelled in all departments to secure a convincing 55-run victory over Scotland in their T20 World Cup warm-up match. After missing out on batting in their rain-abandoned game against Oman, Afghanistan made the most of their opportunity at the Port of Spain in Trinidad.
Opting to bat first in favorable conditions, Afghanistan got off to a blistering start. All-rounder Gulbadin Naib, opening with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, struck 20 runs off the second over, hitting two fours and two sixes against Brandon McMullen. While Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran attempted to match Naib’s aggressive approach, both fell to attacking shots within the first powerplay.
Naib continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty off just 21 balls in the sixth over. With Omarzai adding stability to the innings, Afghanistan seemed poised for a substantial total. However, Naib’s impressive knock ended at 61 runs when he was caught by Scotland skipper Richie Berrington off Chris Greaves in the 10th over. Naib’s innings included 11 boundaries, six of which were sixes.
The momentum slowed as Scotland’s bowlers, led by Mark Watt (1/27) and Bradley Currie (2/26), picked regular wickets. Captain Rashid Khan’s late cameo of 15 off seven balls helped Afghanistan reach 178/8 in their allotted overs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers took control early in Scotland’s innings. Mujeeb Ur Rahman broke the opening stand in the fourth over, and Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed George Munsey in the next over. The spinners tightened their grip, with Mujeeb and Rashid Khan taking key wickets. Karim Janat’s efforts further dismantled the lower order, leaving Scotland unable to meet the target.
Afghanistan’s comprehensive 55-run victory completes their preparations for the T20 World Cup. They will face Uganda in their first match on June 4, while Scotland is set to play England in Barbados.
