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Afghanistan through to Super 10’s – World T20

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By Lee Dolbear

  • Flawless display sees Afghanistan through to the Super 10’s
  • Zimbabwe rocked by huge run chase
  • Scotland end with a win against Hong Kong

NAGPUR, INDIA – Afghanistan easily storm into the Super 10’s after outplaying Zimbabwe

Britwatch Cricket:

Afghanistan romped to a 59 run win against Zimbabwe to sweep into the Super 10’s Group 1 and join the big guns. It was their third consecutive win and they finished top of the group on 6 points. After firing 186/6 in their innings they took wickets at regular intervals to destroy Zimbabwe’s hopes skittling them all out for 127.

The Afghans won the toss and decided on a hot day to set the total,  getting to 56 from the powerplay overs. Mohammad Shazad scoring a quick fire 40,  later Mohammad Nabi flayed another 52 runs at 152% to impress the crowd and set Zimbabwe 187 to win.

Afghanistan kept their bowling neat and economical, that combination wilted the opposition. They shot Zimbabwe down for just 127 with notable bowling figures for Rashid Khan 3 for 11 from his 4 overs.

That was that – I personally thought that Zimbabwe would win this group and qualify but after watching the Afghan performance today. they well and truly deserve to be playing Sri Lanka next week and will be sure to keep the established teams on their toes.

As reported by the BBC, After the game a jubilant Afghan skipper said Asghar Stanikzai: “Afghanistan is about go very crazy because they love cricket.”

Although crestfallen Hamilton Masakadza the Zimbabwe captain heaped praise on his opponents “They outplayed us in every facet of the game. We were never in the game.”

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In the dead rubber match of Scotland v Hong Kong, the Saltires prevailed by the D/L method by 8 wickets after another rain interrupted affair. It was Scotland’s first official win in a major tournament after 20 attempts, unfortunately it came too late but I’m sure the experience they gained will bring them on in the next major they compete in.

Congratulations Afghanistan, Beware Group 1.