Picture Credit: ICC
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.
