Mohammad Nabi’s economical brilliance and Ibrahim Zadran’s batting masterclass propelled Afghanistan to an 82-run victory over Canada, bringing the curtains down on their T20 World Cup 2026 stint in style. Played under the lights at Chennai’s Chepauk, the contest highlighted Afghanistan’s depth.
Afghanistan amassed 200/4 after winning the toss. The powerplay saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz (30 off 20, 5×4) and Ibrahim Zadran forge 47 in 5.3 overs. Quick losses of Gulbadin Naib (1) left them at 49/2.
Sedikullah Atal then unleashed, scoring 44 (32 balls, 2×4, 2×6) in a 95-run stand with Zadran off 59 balls. Zadran’s unbeaten 95 (56 balls, 7×4, 5×6) included vital partnerships: 31 with Azmatullah Omarzai (13) and 25 with Dervesh Rasooli (4*). Canada’s bowlers, led by Jaskaran Singh’s three strikes and Dillon Heyliger’s one, struggled to contain the assault.
Target in sight? Not for Canada, who stuttered to 118/8. Skipper Dilpreet Bajwa smashed 13 (7 balls, 2×6) alongside Yuvraj Samra (17) for 25. By 48/5, hopes faded. A gritty 53-run alliance between Harsh Thaker (30 off 24) and Saad Bin Zafar (28) off 37 balls offered solace, but Mohammad Nabi’s 4/7 in 4 overs and Rashid Khan’s brace ensured collapse.
Afghanistan’s balanced display ends their campaign memorably, signaling bright futures in T20 cricket.