Afghanistan has made its presence known and in a big way! While they fought, the ground appeared completely flat, and then when they stepped out to bowl, the spinners led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman ran wild, with none of the Scotland batsmen handling them in any way. The outcome was a stunning triumph by 130 runs, which is massive in T20 cricket and could play a significant part in this phase of the T20 World Cup. lets look at how Afghanistan crushed Scotland
Afghanistan crushed Scotland
Mohammad Nabi won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan’s powerplay starters were outstanding. Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad each got the squad off to a flying start, achieving the quickest team 50 of the event so far in this. Zazai, in particular, was dangerously hitting the ball out of the park anytime it was in his path.
Through the 10th over, both openers had been bowled, but Shahzad had scored 22 and Zazai had hit 44, and Afghanistan had a solid foundation to build on from there. The innings were then taken over by the middle-order hitters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who imposed their dominance. Scotland’s bowling was lost at times, however, credit should go to the batsmen for the way they batted.
Afghanistan imposed its dominance in a spectacular way
Surprisingly, Najib was in a hunt with 87-run for the 3rd wicket stand, blasting 59 (34 balls), also Gurbaz secured 46 runs during his presence in the middle. Afghanistan had a spectacular finish to their innings as well, bagging 190 runs for the cost of 4 wickets. Mark Watt’s left-arm spin was once again outstanding, while the rest of the bowlers fell short.
Batsmen, Spinners spins Afghanistan to a Massive Win@iamnajibzadran (59) scored an exciting half century, @Mujeeb_R88 & @rashidkhan_19 picked 9/29 in 6.2 overs to spin Afghanistan make a massive entry into the @T20WorldCup 2021.
More: https://t.co/B2PboJGTr5
📷@GettyImages pic.twitter.com/Fi6Mas0mFw— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 25, 2021
Scotland had to put up a valiant effort to chase 191 runs versus Afghanistan spinners. Many people believed that Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan would be key participants, but that was not the case in Sharjah. Mujeeb’s variations were completely unknown to Scotland’s hitters. In his maiden T20 World Cup game, the off-spinner got halfway through the opponent’s batting order.
He delivered 4 overs in a row from one end to the other with a remarkable scoreline of 5/20. Rashid Khan with no surprise came into the attack to take the wickets on his regular path. Hardly any of Scotland’s hitters could stay in the middle and, oddly, went for a reverse sweep practically every ball while confronting spinners. Rashid also had a good day with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 9 runs.
Scotland were bowled out for 60 runs in the 11th over of the match, as Afghanistan cruised to a 130-run victory, the joint second-largest in T20 World Cup history. This victory should put a smile on the faces of Afghanistan’s fans, who have been through a lot in the previous several months.
Twitter Reactions:
Outstanding bowling by @Mujeeb_R88 and @rashidkhan_19 well played @iamnajibzadran congratulations to every one 🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫 … pic.twitter.com/UUchFjqoFA
— Rahmat Shah (@RahmatShah_08) October 25, 2021
Quality performance by #Afghanistan & @Mujeeb_R88 at his bamboozingly best!!! Well done gents 🤸🏽👏 #AFGvSCO @T20WorldCup
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) October 25, 2021
8 overs of mujeeb and rash ? Good luck
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) October 25, 2021
Congratulations #Afghanistan !!!! you guys truly deserve this win and the happiness. You people have gone through so much in the past couple of months!!!! Unbelievable by Mujeeb and Rashid. #AFGvSCO
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) October 25, 2021
Mujeeb Ur Rahman became the first Afghanistan player to take a five-wicket haul in T20 World Cup
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 25, 2021
Powerhouse display by Afghanistan. Played the perfect T20 game. Big runs on the board with Najibullah in the forefront and an oustanding spell from the unplayable Mujeeb. Five wickets in four overs; bravo! #AFGvSCO #T20WorldCup
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 25, 2021
The Afghanistan everybody loves #AFGvSCO #T20WorldCup
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 25, 2021
Somebody here last week was saying Pak vs NZ will be a virtual quarter-final to join India in semis. 😋
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) October 25, 2021
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) October 25, 2021
What a performance Afghanistan! This team has some serious match winners, quality batters and world-class spinners. Top work Mujeeb, this team can surely cause a lot of trouble for major teams especially in UAE conditions.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 25, 2021
Der der umbarak shai Afghanistan pa match gatalo. Der zabardast bowling spells @rashidkhan_19 ao @Mujeeb_R88 ao tolo der zabardast batting oko. Der der mubarakbad @ACBofficials
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) October 25, 2021
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