Afghanistan Crush Scotland in T20 World Cup Warm-Up Opener

Afghanistan secured a notable victory against Scotland, winning by 61 runs in the first warm-up match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This opening encounter took place on February 2, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.

Match Overview

The game marked the start of a series featuring 16 warm-up matches scheduled from February 2 to February 6. These preparations are intended to ready teams for the main tournament that begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with matches held in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Colombo.

Afghanistan’s Dominance

• Afghanistan batted first and posted a strong total of 184 for 6.
• Darwish Rasooli was instrumental, scoring 84 runs, stabilizing the innings after early wickets.
• The lower order provided essential support, keeping the run rate high throughout.

Scotland, captained by Richie Berrington, struggled in their chase. The Scottish innings saw them bowled out for just 123 runs. Opener George Munsey managed a quick 13 runs, but wickets fell frequently. Captain Berrington scored only 8, which compounded their difficulties.

Bowling Performance

Afghanistan’s bowling unit was relentless. Key players made crucial breakthroughs, leading to a comprehensive collapse from the Scottish batting lineup. Afghanistan’s all-around display was a significant warning to future opponents in this tournament.

Looking Ahead

The warm-up matches continue across four cities, with a schedule designed to maximize team preparations. Cricket fans can expect to see India, defending champions, take on South Africa at DY Patil Stadium on February 4. Additionally, India A will face the USA the same day, sparking considerable interest among supporters.

Broadcasting and Coverage

Cricket enthusiasts can follow all warm-up matches on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar in India, with international coverage available through various broadcasters. This includes platforms like Sky Sports in the UK and Willow in North America.

Player Focus

Anecdotes about player fitness add another layer of excitement. Tilak Varma’s anticipated return from injury suggests that his inclusion could shift team dynamics for India.

Additional Matches

The warm-up phase features exciting matchups, including Oman against Sri Lanka A and the Netherlands versus Zimbabwe. These games are opportunities for teams to identify strengths and weaknesses as they look forward to the main event.

Afghanistan’s commanding victory over Scotland sets a high standard early in the tournament. As teams prepare and adjust, every match plays a critical role in shaping the competition’s narrative.

With the cricketing world abuzz, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is poised to be a thrilling tournament, highlighted by intense rivalries and memorable performances.