Afghanistan made a commanding statement in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with a 61-run victory over Scotland in the opening warm-up match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru, on Monday.
The 2024 semi-finalists looked in top form with both bat and ball, signalling they are ready to mount another strong challenge in the marquee tournament starting on February 7.
Rasooli, Zadran Shine with the Bat
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 184/6, powered by a spectacular 84-run knock from Darwish Rasooli. Despite early jitters, Rasooli and Ibrahim Zadran (36) steadied the innings with an 82-run stand for the third wicket. Afghanistan accelerated in the second half, scoring 107 runs in the last 10 overs, with Rasooli smashing five sixes and seven fours before walking out retired hurt. Experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi also made an impact, striking 34 off 16 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Dominate Scotland
Scotland struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Only Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, and Matthew Cross managed to cross 20 runs. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (3/14), kept Scotland under constant pressure. Nabi made his mark with the ball as well, claiming key scalps including Scotland captain Richie Berrington and Finlay McCreath.
Scottish pacer Brad Currie provided some resistance, finishing with 1/19, while Jack Jarvis and Mark Watt took two wickets each. Overall, Afghanistan restricted Scotland to 123/10 in 19.3 overs to seal a convincing win.
What’s Next for Afghanistan and Scotland
Afghanistan will face West Indies in their final warm-up fixture on February 4, while Scotland will clash with Namibia the same day. With this performance, Afghanistan looks poised to continue their strong run from the previous World Cup.
Official Broadcast & Streaming Info
Fans in India can stream the match live on Jio Hotstar, as per ICC’s official broadcast schedule. Highlights will be available across ICC digital channels, including ICC.tv.
Other select warm-up matches being streamed live on Jio Hotstar include:
- UAE vs India A
- Canada vs Italy
- Afghanistan vs West Indies
- Pakistan vs Ireland
- New Zealand vs USA
- Namibia vs India A
Key Takeaways
- Darwish Rasooli and Ibrahim Zadran starred with the bat.
- Mohammad Nabi contributed both with bat and ball.
- Afghanistan dominated Scotland to signal readiness for the T20 World Cup 2026.
FAQs – Afghanistan vs Scotland T20 WC 2026 Warm-Up Match
Q1: When was the Afghanistan vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match played?
The match took place on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Bengaluru.
Q2: What was the result of the Afghanistan vs Scotland warm-up match?
Afghanistan won convincingly by 61 runs, scoring 184/6 and bowling out Scotland for 123 in 19.3 overs.
Q3: Who were the standout performers in the Afghanistan vs Scotland match?
Darwish Rasooli (84), Ibrahim Zadran (36), Mohammad Nabi (34 off 16) with the bat and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/14) with the ball.
Q4: Where can fans watch Afghanistan vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches live?
Fans in India can stream live on Jio Hotstar, with highlights on ICC.tv and other ICC digital platforms.
Q5: What’s next for Afghanistan in the warm-up fixtures?
Afghanistan will face the West Indies on February 4 in their final warm-up match.
