“Very happy with my performance, especially in this main match and it was a tough game in the qualifying round”, Nabi said after the game. Nabi’s maiden fifty has put Afghanistan one step closer but Zimbabwe will be determined to chase this total down. Afghanistan outclassed Zimbabwe in all the departments by first scoring a mammoth 186 in 20 overs and then bowling out opposition for a paltry 127.
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And with players like Mohammad Nabi, Shenwari, and an experienced captain like Asghar Stanikzai, Afghanistan certainly has the potential to cause more upsets in the tournament.
Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan raced away to 55 for two in the powerplay, riding on a 23-ball knock from Shahzad (40).
But, after he departed in the fifth over, Zimbabwe were back on track briefly, dismantling the rest of the Afghan top order in the next three overs, reducing them to 63 for four in eight overs from a comfortable 49 for one in 4.3 overs.
Heavy rain led to the abandonment of both World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dharamsala on Friday, leaving Bangladesh and Oman to battle for the lone spot in the main draw from Group A.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe have shown grit in their wins against Hong Kong and Scotland.
Shenwari’s innings included four boundaries.
Left-handed batsman Quinton de Kock stylishly played his way to 56 runs before retiring not out.
Having beaten Scotland in their opening game, Afghanistan cruised to a second victory after restricting Hong Kong to 116 for six.
Stanikzai was caught at midwicket for a two-ball duck as Tinashe Panyangara’s three-wicket burst ensured Afghanistan lost four for 14 in 20 deliveries, before Nabi and Shenwari firstly rebuilt and then accelerated as Stanikzai’s men amassed 88 from the last six overs.
They are to play today, with the winners joining Australia, India, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group A of the Super 10 stage.
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England is in action against the West Indies Wednesday before facing South Africa Friday in the Proteas’ first match of the championship.
