Zadran, Nabi help Afghanistan to consolation win at T20 World Cup

Published
0
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan (L) celebrates with teammates his team’s win at the end of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Afghanistan and Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 19, 2026.  — AFP
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan (L) celebrates with teammates his team’s win at the end of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Afghanistan and Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 19, 2026. — AFP

Opener Ibrahim Zadran struck an unbeaten 95 to help Afghanistan to a crushing 82-run win over Canada on Thursday and cap off an otherwise disappointing T20 World Cup on a high.

Zadran hit seven fours and five sixes in his 56-ball knock to steer Afghanistan to 200-4 after being invited to bat first in Chennai.

Afghanistan bowlers led by veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi, with his T20 best figures of 4-7, kept Canada down to 118-8 for their second win in the 20-team tournament.

Afghanistan failed to reach the Super Eights stage after New Zealand secured the other qualification spot from Group D, which was topped by South Africa.

“We were well prepared for this competition, we were very close,” said Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan.

“The game against South Africa (lost in a double super over) put us on the back foot and that hurt us.”

The Afghans put up a dominant show in their last group match with Zadran leading the batting with his half-century and a 95-run third-wicket stand with Sediqullah Atal, who made 44.

It was the last match for former England batter Jonathan Trott as coach of Afghanistan after he took over the job in July 2022.

Canada were never in the chase and ended the tournament without a win in four matches.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...