Afghanistan signed off from T20 World Cup 2026 with an emphatic 82-run thrashing of Canada, powered by veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi’s spellbinding 4/7. The match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai showcased Afghan flair, blending explosive batting with lethal bowling.
Electing to bat, Afghanistan posted a formidable 200/4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s fiery opening stand of 47 in 5.3 overs set an aggressive platform. Gurbaz fell for 30 (20 balls, 5×4), exposing Gulbadin Naib who managed a single before returning.
Down to 49/2, Sedikullah Atal and Zadran rebuilt masterfully, plundering 95 runs in 59 balls. Atal’s 44 (32 balls, 2×4, 2×6) was a highlight until his dismissal. Zadran, the standout performer, carried on undefeated with 95 (56 balls, 7×4, 5×6), partnering Azmatullah Omarzai for 31 and Dervesh Rasooli for 25* (4). Jaskaran Singh’s 3/?? was Canada’s best effort.
Canada’s reply never ignited. Dilpreet Bajwa’s brisk 13 (7 balls, 2×6) and Yuvraj Samra’s 17 provided brief hope in a 25-run opening stand. But at 48/5, the innings imploded. Saad Bin Zafar (28) and Harsh Thaker (30 off 24) fought back with 53 off 37 for the sixth wicket, yet Nabi’s wizardry—4/7—and Rashid Khan’s 2 wickets sealed a massive defeat at 118/8.
This victory underscores Afghanistan’s potential, with Nabi’s experience proving invaluable in wrapping up their campaign triumphantly.