T20 World Cup 2026: Rasooli Leads Afghanistan to Dominant Win Over Scotland
In the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match, Afghanistan secured a convincing 61-run victory over Scotland in Bengaluru. Led by a remarkable performance from Darwish Rasooli, Afghanistan showcased their potential ahead of the tournament.
Key Performers and Match Highlights
Afghanistan set a formidable target, scoring 184 runs for the loss of six wickets. Darwish Rasooli played a pivotal role, scoring 84 runs off 46 balls. His explosive innings featured:
- Seven fours
- Five sixes
Rasooli formed a key partnership with Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 36 runs, resulting in an impressive 82-run stand. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi also made a significant impact, adding 34 runs off just 16 balls.
Scotland’s Struggles
Chasing a target of 185, Scotland struggled to find their rhythm from the beginning. The bowling attack of Afghanistan was formidable, particularly Azamatullah Omarzai, who claimed three wickets while conceding only 14 runs. Additionally, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Nabi each took two wickets.
- Top scorers for Scotland: Matthew Cross and Michael Jones, both scoring 21 runs.
The Afghanistan bowlers effectively dismantled Scotland’s batting lineup, leading to Scotland’s total of just 123 all out.
A Glance Ahead
With this strong performance, Afghanistan aims to build on their success as they prepare for their next match against the West Indies, set for February 4. They are placed in Group D for the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside notable teams such as New Zealand, South Africa, and the UAE. Their tournament opener will be against New Zealand on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
