Afghanistan vs Scotland: AFG win first ICC T20 World Cup warm-up clash by 61 runs

COLOMBO: Afghanistan made a commanding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup preparations, defeating Scotland by 61 runs in the first warm-up match as Richie Berrington’s side faltered in the chase.

Opting to bat first, the Afghanistan XI posted a formidable 184 for 6, showcasing their batting depth and middle-order composure. The innings was anchored by a fluent knock from Darwish Rasooli, whose composed 84-run effort steadied the innings and powered Afghanistan to a challenging total. Support from the lower order ensured the scoreboard pressure never eased on the Scottish bowlers.

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In reply, Scotland’s chase never truly took off. George Munsey showed brief intent at the top with a run-a-ball 13, while Michael Jones (21 off 29) and Matthew Cross (21 off 25) tried to rebuild, but regular wickets halted any momentum. Captain Richie Berrington struggled to lift the scoring rate, managing only 8 runs, as Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened the screws.

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The Afghan bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, striking at crucial intervals and forcing Scotland into mistakes. The middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with Scotland eventually bowled out for 123, well short of the target.

The convincing victory underlined Afghanistan’s growing confidence heading into the tournament, with both batters and bowlers firing in unison. For Scotland, the loss highlighted areas to address ahead of their remaining warm-up fixtures.

Afghanistan’s all-round display sends an early warning to their World Cup rivals, as they continue to emerge as a formidable force in the shortest format.