T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan Thrash Hapless Canada To End Campaign On Positive Note

Chennai: Afghanistan ended their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 on a high by defeating Canada by 82 runs in an inconsequential Group D clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. Both teams had already been eliminated from the tournament, and this match was a mere formality. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 200 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. In response, Canada could only manage 118 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.

How did Mohammad Nabi perform?

Afghanistan did not give the Canadian batsmen a chance to open their innings. Mohammad Nabi, in particular, bowled brilliantly, taking 4 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs. Captain Rashid Khan took two wickets. Harsh Thaker scored 30 runs for Canada, while Saad Bin Zafar scored 28 runs.

What was Ibrahim Zadran's contribution?

Afghanistan posted a mammoth 200 for four against Canada in their official Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup here on Thursday, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Ibrahim Zadran (95 not out, 56 balls). Both teams have been eliminated from the tournament but are looking to return home with a win. Batting first, Afghanistan performed brilliantly. In addition to Zadran, Sediqullah Atal contributed 44 runs and wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 30 runs.

How did Afghanistan batters perform?

Zadran was given a lifeline and then pounded the Canadian bowlers, hitting seven fours and five sixes in his innings. Gurbaz started cautiously, but in the second over, wicketkeeper Shreyas Mowa dropped him off fast bowler Dylan Heyliger. Gurbaz played some brilliant shots after understanding the pitch, but Jaskaran had him caught at deep point in the sixth over.

How did Jaskaran Singh perform?

Just three balls later, Jaskaran Singh trapped the dangerous Gulbadin Naib LBW, reducing Afghanistan to 49 for two. Zadran then took charge. The right-handed batsman never let the run rate slow down. He played freely against both fast bowlers and spinners. He shared a brilliant 95-run partnership for the third wicket with Atal. Both took an aggressive approach against the spinners. For Canada, Jaskaran Singh performed well with the ball, taking three wickets for 52 runs, while fast bowler Dylan Heyliger took one wicket.