Afghanistan put up an impressive display to beat Scotland by 61 runs in a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match that took place in Bengaluru. The AFG vs SCO match saw impressive performances from Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Early Setbacks, Strong Recovery for Afghanistan
Batting first, Afghanistan got off to a shaky start as the new-ball pair of Jack Jarvis and Mark Watt from Scotland got them off to a poor start, removing Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal in quick succession.
But it was Darwish Rasooli (No. 4 batsman) and Ibrahim Zadran (opening batsman), who were the keys to stabilize the innings with an important partnership of 82 runs for the third wicket.
Rasooli’s Spectacular 84 Leads the Innings
Rasooli scored an important 84 runs off 46 balls, and he was the main reason for us winning the game. He played with a great deal of intent and fire power, hitting 5 sixes and 7 fours. Although Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai got out quickly, Afghanistan kept the momentum going because of the presence of Rasooli.
Mohammad Nabi Provides Late Surge
The finishing touches were provided by experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 34 runs off just 16 balls during the death overs. Rasooli finally retired out, allowing new hitters to make the most of the final opportunity.
Afghanistan finished their innings with a competitive total of 184/6 in 20 overs. For Scotland, the two most successful bowlers were Brad Currie and Mark Watt, who took two wickets each.
Scotland’s Chase Falters Early
However, Scotland could never build any momentum in their chase. George Munsey was bowled in the fifth over by Omarzai, and this led to a collapse. The next four wickets were lost for just 26 runs.
Afghan Bowlers Dominate Middle Overs
The Afghan bowling attack was relentless:
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- Rashid Khan got the wickets of Brandon McMullen
- Ziaur Rahman got the wicket of Michael Jones
Mohammad Nabi got two wickets, removing Richie Berrington and Finlay McCreath, both for 8
There was a brief resistance of 23 runs between Matthew Cross and Mark Watt, but that was soon over.
Omarzai and Nabi Seal Comprehensive Victory
After Watt was out at the end of the 16th over, the Scotland innings soon disintegrated. They lost the last five wickets for just 21 runs in 28 balls, before being bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs.
- Azmatullah Omarzai ended with an excellent 3 for 14, with an economy rate of 4.66
- Mohammad Nabi rounded off his excellent performance with 2 for 9 in two overs
Key Takeaways from AFG vs SCO
Darwish Rasooli’s blistering 84 gets Afghanistan off to a flying start
Mohammad Nabi is a force to be reckoned with, both with the bat and the ball
Azmatullah Omarzai produces a match-winning performance with the ball
Afghanistan appear to be well-prepared for T20 World Cup 2026
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