The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Afghanistan national cricket team signed off their 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Canada by 82 runs in their fourth and final Group D match on February 19 in Chennai.
Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Afghanistan posted an
imposing 200/4 in 20 overs after being put in to bat. In reply, Canada were
restricted to 118/8, falling well short of the 201-run target.
Ibrahim Zadran delivered a match-winning performance,
remaining unbeaten on 95 off 56 balls, striking five fours and two sixes. His
composed yet aggressive knock earned him the Player of the Match award and
Cricinfo’s MVP honors.
He shared a crucial 95-run third-wicket partnership with
Sediqullah Atal, who contributed 44 off 32 deliveries. Rahmanullah Gurbaz added
a quick 30 from 20 balls at the top, helping Afghanistan reach 49 runs in the
powerplay despite losing two early wickets.
Afghanistan accelerated in the final overs, crossing the
150-run mark in the 17th over before finishing strongly at 200/4.
Defending 200, Afghanistan’s bowlers dismantled Canada’s batting
lineup with discipline and precision.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi produced a stunning spell,
taking 4 wickets for just 7 runs in his four overs, effectively breaking the
backbone of Canada’s chase.
Captain Rashid Khan supported with 2/19, while Mujeeb Ur
Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai claimed one wicket each.
Canada struggled from the outset, losing three wickets
inside the powerplay. Harsh Thaker top-scored with 30 off 24 balls, and Saad
Bin Zafar added 28, but the required run rate continued to climb beyond reach.
Match Summary:
Afghanistan: 200/4 (20 overs)
Canada: 118/8 (20 overs)
Result: Afghanistan won by 82 runs
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran (95* off 56)
Best Bowling: Mohammad Nabi (4/7)
With this commanding victory, Afghanistan concluded their
group-stage campaign on a positive note, showcasing both batting depth and
bowling firepower on the global stage.
