Afghanistan defeated Scotland by 130 runs to start their T20 World Cup campaign on an impressive note. The Mohammad Nabi-led side first put up a big total of 190/4 on the board before bundling the Scottish Saltires for mere 60 runs. Notably, this was Afghanistan’s 7th T20I win over Scotland out of as many games played between the sides. However, more than anything, it would be the two points that would give Afghans the utmost pleasure, given they have been pitted in Group B against the likes of India, New Zealand and Pakistan and only two of them will advance to the semi-final.
Talking about the game on Monday, Afghanistan dominated the game since the start in Sharjah. Mohammad Nabi won the toss and opted to bat first before Najibullah Zadran top-scored for the side with a 59 off 34 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 46 off 37 also helped the cause. Nabi himself played a useful cameo of unbeaten 11 off 4 to see Afghanistan post the highest total in the ongoing T20 World Cup so far. For Scotland, Safyaan Sharif (2/33) emerged as the best bowler, while Mark Watt (1/23) also impressed with the ball as he conceded less than 6 runs an over.
In reply, Mujeeb Ur Rahman took a fifer (5/20) while Rashid Khan returned 4/9 as Scotland got bundled out for mere 60 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq got the other wicket to ensure that the Scottish Saltires were nowhere near the mammoth target of 191 runs. Soon after the victory, Twitter got filled with wishes for Afghanistan, with many praising the team and their potential.
Here are some of the best tweets:
#Afghanistan National Cricket Team is making a statement.
Man of the match Mujeb Zadran says “the fans brought the tricolor #Afghanflag 🇦🇫 to the ground that gave us more energy and motivation to play well. Grateful for that.”
Are Taliban listening?#AFGvSCO#ICCT20WorldCup2021 pic.twitter.com/4KRTkOKYtB
— Bashir Ahmad Gwakh (@bashirgwakh) October 25, 2021
Mujeeb Ur Rahman becomes the first player to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup (ODI/T20I) match for Afghanistan.#AFGvSCO
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 25, 2021
Afghanistan are going to really spice up group 2. No team can take them lightly. Some really good youngsters sprinkled through the batting order to compliment the spin trio .. India play them in Abu Dhabi on Nov 3rd .. #AFGvSCO
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) October 25, 2021
Afghanistan with a comprehensive victory 🔥 #T20WorldCup | #AFGvSCO | https://t.co/xN0fbnQ1kf pic.twitter.com/AyaB1cZHyM
— ICC (@ICC) October 25, 2021
Congratulations to team Afghanistan 🇦🇫 #AFGvSCO #ICCT20WorldCup2021 #FreeAfghanistan @HabibKhanT pic.twitter.com/3fDkuq6nEu
— Pameer Afghan (@PameerAfghan) October 25, 2021
Wow, what a match.. Congratulations on the victory of the Afghan team, may Allah grant more success to Afghanistan. #AFGvSCO#T20WorldCup2021 pic.twitter.com/rJ03Ea8iPi
— AlamZaib Khan Mahsud (@AlamZaibPK) October 25, 2021
Where do you get these Afghan bats from? 😅 #AFGvSCO pic.twitter.com/tNDF81HWJs
— Nikhil Uttamchandani (@NikUttam) October 25, 2021
