Afghanistan win in dominant fashion in Chennai

Ibrahim Zadran

Chasing, Canada got off to a lively start as previous game’s centurion Yuvraj Samra drove the very first ball from Mujeeb Ur Rahman for four. Skipper Dilpreet Bajwa followed with positive intent, striking a couple of beautifully timed maximums to keep the early momentum going. But just as he looked to get going, Bajwa tried to make room against Mujeeb and was bowled, bringing Navneet Dhaliwal in at No.3.

The Canadian stalwart endured a brief stay in what was his final international innings, chipping one straight to backward point to depart for a five-ball duck. Veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi was then introduced and made an immediate impact, removing Samra for 17. He struck again in the eighth over when Nicholas Kirton mistimed an effort, safely pouched by first-innings hero Zadran.

Wickets continued to tumble as the fifth fell quickly and saw Ziaur produce a fine catch in the deep to dismiss Shreyas Movva. Harsh Thaker briefly counterattacked with flair, collecting a four and six off Ziaur immediately, and alongside Saad built a steady 53-run partnership to rebuild the chase.

The stand was eventually broken by Nabi, who returned to end Thaker’s resistance at 30. Saad soon followed, undone by a beauty from Rashid, before Nabi capped off his spell with his fourth wicket by removing Heyliger with the first ball of his final over. Canada were at 105/8.

2024 semi-finalists Afghanistan were hoping to close the T20 World Cup campaign on a high as they posted 200/4 on the board against Canada in Chennai on Thursday. The total is their highest ever in T20 World Cups. Put into bat, Afghanistan's opening pair once again started well, putting on 47 runs. However, star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 30, and Afghanistan slipped to 49/2 in powerplay. (Agencies)

Afghanistan: 200 for 4 in 20 overs  (R.Gurbaz 30, I. Zadran 95*, S. Atal 44, J. Singh 3-52, D. Heyliger 1-41)
Canada: 118 for 8 in 20 overs (H. Thaker 30, S. Zafar 28, M. Nabi 4-7, R. Khan 2-19, M. Rahman 1-23, A. Omarzai 1-18)