T20 WC 2021: AFG vs SCO Review – Afghan spinners demolish Scotland

Afghanistan started their campaign of the T20 World Cup in quite a stylish manner dominating Scotland in every way possible. The team turned up at what is known as their favourite venue, Sharjah Cricket Ground and completely dismantled the Scottish hope. They ended up winning the game by 130 runs.

Earlier in the evening, Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi won the toss and elected to bat first. The power play went well as the openers Mohammad Shahzad made 22 runs from 15 balls while Hazratullah Zazai scored 44 runs from 30 balls. Once they were gone, the onus was taken upon by Rahmanullah Gurbaz who scored 46 runs from 37 balls.

But the knock which completely shifted the game was played by Najibullah Zadran who made 59 runs from 34 balls. Skipper Nabi also chipped in with a cameo of 11 runs from four balls which ensured Afghanistan finished on 190 for 4. Safyaan Sharif was the pick of the bowlers for Scotland as he ended with 2 for 33.

Scotland’s innings did get going but not for too long. George Munsey scored a quick 18-ball 25 while Kyle Coetzer made 10 runs from seven balls. However, Afghanistan’s star spinners ran riot on them. Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up 5 for 20 while Rashid Khan ended with a spell of 4 for 9. Naveen Ul Haq also got one scalp as Scotland’s innings was wrapped up for just 60 runs.

Top performers:

Najibullah Zadran: Walking in at the halfway stage, Zadran’s job was to convert the good start and get a huge score for his side. He did exactly that by playing a good knock with his bat. He carried the innings wonderfully, stroking boundaries whenever required. He hit five fours and three sixes during his knock.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

After a slightly strong start to their innings, Scotland were looking to build a solid foundation, but they faced arguably one of the best powerplay bowlers in the world. Mujeeb playing his first-ever T20 World Cup game ran havoc getting rid of the top four batters. Scotland never recovered from that situation and failed to even get a good score.

Achievement/records: 

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman became the first player to take a five-wicket haul on his T20 World Cup debut. This was also his first five-wicket haul in T20Is.
• This was the second-largest win in terms of margin of runs for any team in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka’s 172-run win against Kenya in the 2007 T20 World Cup remains the largest.

Way ahead: 

Afghanistan will now face Pakistan on October 29 while Scotland will face Namibia on October 27.