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CHENNAI — Opener Ibrahim Zadran struck an unbeaten 95 to power Afghanistan to a commanding 82-run victory over Canada on Thursday, closing out their T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant performance despite an otherwise disappointing tournament .
Zadran’s 56-ball knock, featuring seven fours and five sixes, propelled Afghanistan to 200-4 after being asked to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium . His innings included a 95-run third-wicket partnership with Sediqullah Atal, who contributed 44 .
Nabi Stars with Ball
Veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi produced his career-best T20 figures of 4-7, dismantling the Canadian chase and restricting the associate nation to just 118-8 in their 20 overs . Canada never threatened the target, ending the tournament winless after four matches .
Bittersweet Ending
Despite the emphatic victory, Afghanistan’s tournament ended in disappointment after they failed to progress to the Super Eights. South Africa topped Group D, with New Zealand claiming the second qualification spot .
“We were well prepared for this competition, we were very close,” said Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan. “The game against South Africa (lost in a double super over) put us on the back foot and that hurt us” .
Trott’s Farewell
The match marked the end of Jonathan Trott’s tenure as Afghanistan head coach. The former England batter took charge in July 2022 and oversaw significant progress in the team’s white-ball cricket .
For Canada, the loss capped a difficult tournament debut, with the side unable to secure a victory in any of their four group matches .
