Afghanistan Triumphs Over Scotland by 55 Runs in T20 World Cup Warm-up Match

Afghanistan secured a commanding 55-run victory over Scotland in a T20 World Cup warm-up match held at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. The win was largely driven by a standout performance from opener Gulbadin Naib, who scored a blistering 69 runs from just 30 balls.

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Naib's aggressive innings set the tone, helping Afghanistan reach 100 runs rapidly. His efforts were supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed 48 runs from 36 balls, and captain Rashid Khan, who added 15 runs from seven balls.

Despite Naib's dismissal in the 10th over, Afghanistan managed to post a total of 178-8 in their 20 overs. Scotland's bowlers, led by Chris Sole (3-35) and Bradley Currie (2-26), made some inroads in the second half of the innings, but the target remained formidable.

In response, Scotland struggled to chase down the target. George Munsey top-scored with 28 runs, but his dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, leaving Scotland at 44-5 in the eighth over. Mark Watt's 34 runs from 25 balls helped reduce the margin of defeat, but Scotland finally finished with 123-9 in their 20 overs.

Afghanistan's bowlers played a key role in securing the win, with Janat taking 2-13 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman claiming 2-23. Rashid Khan also contributed with a wicket, maintaining the pressure on Scotland's batting lineup.

This warm-up match was Scotland's final game before they begin their T20 World Cup campaign against England on June 4 in Barbados. They will also face Namibia on June 6, Oman on June 9, and Australia on June 16 in Group B.

Afghanistan's victory in Trinidad provides a confidence boost ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign. With key players like Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan performing well, the team appears well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Afghanistan beats Scotland by 55 runs in T20 World Cup warm-up match.
• Gulbadin Naib scores 69 runs from 30 balls, driving Afghanistan's win.
• Afghanistan posts 178-8, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan contributing.
• Scotland struggles to chase, finishing with 123-9, with George Munsey top-scoring.
• Afghanistan's bowlers, including Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, secure the win.