ICC T20 WC: Mujeeb, Rashid spin Afghanistan to a massive win

Afghanistan started their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup with a massive 130 run win over Scotland in their opening Super 12 Group 2 encounter.

Afghanistan after opting to bat posted a massive 190 for four in their 20 overs and Scotland was shot out for a mere 60 in 10.2 overs to lose by a massive margin.

Earlier, Afghanistan started off well thanks to an opening stand between Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad worth 54. Thereafter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (46) and Najibullah Zadran (59: 34b, 5x4, 3x6) shared a 87 run third wicket stand. The scoring rate was pretty swift. In the end, Afghanistan finished on a massive total of 190 for four in 20 overs.

For Scotland, the best bowler was Safyaan Sharif (2-33).

In their response, Scotland started off well with George Munsey taking charge. But then there was a massive collapse as Afghanistan spinners Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and Rashid Khan spun a web around Scotland batsmen. Scotland lost wickets at regular intervals as wickets fell in a massive heap.

Munsey (25), captain Kyle Coetzer (10) and Chris Greaves (12) were the only batsmen to enter double figures. Mujeeb ended with figures of five for 20 and Rashid finished on four for nine in just 2.2 overs.

Afghanistan maintained their 100 percent record over Scotland at Sharjah and in T20 Internationals. Afghanistan have now beaten Scotland in seven encounters in the T20 format.

A roaring start for AfghanAtalan in their #T20WorldCup 2021 campaign ??
Afghanistan went past Scotland by 130 runs. #Congratulations to the whole nation and all the fans ??

Well played @CricketScotland, better luck next time. ????#AFGvSCO #T20WC2021 pic.twitter.com/sXH5QPmHg7

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 25, 2021

Match Summary

Afghanistan: 190-4 (20)
Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Mohammad Shahzad-5.5 ov), 2-82 (Hazratullah Zazai-9.5 ov), 3-169 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz-18.3 ov), 4-190 (Najibullah Zadran-19.6 ov)

Scotland: 60 (10.2)
Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Kyle Coetzer-3.2 ov), 2-28 (Calum MacLeod-3.3 ov), 3-28 (Richie Berrington-3.6 ov), 4-30 (Matthew Cross-4.3 ov), 5-36 (George Munsey-5.3 ov), 6-38 (Michael Leask-6.3 ov), 7-45 (Mark Watt-7.5 ov), 8-53 (Chris Greaves-8.5 ov), 9-60 (Josh Davey-10.1 ov), 10-60 (Brad Wheal-10.2 ov)

Result: Afghanistan won by 130 runs

Scorecard

Playing XI
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wicket-keeper), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (captain), George Munsey, Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross (wicket-keeper), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal

Match details
Toss: Afghanistan, elected to bat
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Start time: 1800 hrs UAE time
Match officials: Kumar Dharmasena, Paul Wilson (On-field Umpires); Richard Kettleborough (TV Umpire); Michael Gough; Jeff Crowe (Match-referee)