CHEPAUK, CHENNAI – Ibrahim Zadran’s explosive 95 not out lit up the MA Chidambaram Stadium as Afghanistan racked up 200 for 6, giving Canada a steep 201-run target in T20 World Cup 2026’s 39th fixture on Thursday.
The Afghan opener’s knock – laced with 7 fours and 5 sixes in 56 balls – came agonizingly close to a hundred, providing the backbone for a competitive total. With both sides out of semifinal reckoning, this match served as a battle for honor.
Afghanistan’s tournament had been tough: a 5-wicket loss to New Zealand, a Super Over heartbreak against South Africa, redeemed slightly by a 5-wicket win over UAE.
Canada’s campaign mirrored despair – thrashed by 57 runs by South Africa, edged out by 5 wickets by UAE, and dismantled by 8 wickets by New Zealand.
Opting to bowl after losing the toss, Canada watched helplessly as Gurbaz (30 off 20, 5×4) and Zadran erupted for 47 in 5.3 overs. Naib’s quick duck followed at 49 for 2.
Enter Sedikullah Atal (44 off 32, 2×6, 2×4), who stitched a match-defining 95-run stand with Zadran over 59 balls. Omarzai chipped in with 13 as Afghanistan crossed 200.
Jaskaran Singh (3/52) led Canada’s attack, supported by Heyliger’s 1/?. Full Afghanistan lineup: Gurbaz†, Zadran, Naib, Atal, Rasooli, Omarzai, Nabi, Khan*, Mujeeb, Sharifi, Ahmadzai.
Canada’s XI: Samra, Bajwa*, Dhaliwal, Thaker, Kirton, Movva†, Zafar, Heyliger, Singh, Sana, Patel. The chase promises fireworks under Chepauk lights.