In a high-scoring encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Afghanistan posted a formidable 200 for 6 against Canada in the 39th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Opener Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, smashing 5 sixes and 7 fours, falling just short of a maiden T20 World Cup century.
Both teams, already eliminated from title contention, aimed to end their campaign on a high note. Afghanistan, captained by Rashid Khan, lost their previous games to New Zealand by 5 wickets and to South Africa in a thrilling Super Over decider. Their sole victory came against UAE by 5 wickets on February 16.
Canada, struggling throughout the tournament, suffered defeats against South Africa by 57 runs, UAE by 5 wickets, and New Zealand by 8 wickets. Thursday’s toss went against Afghanistan, forcing them to bat first.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran provided a blazing start, adding 47 runs in 5.3 overs for the first wicket. Gurbaz departed for 30 off 20 balls (5 fours), followed by Gulbadin Naib for 1, leaving Afghanistan at 49 for 2.
Zadran then found stability with Sedikullah Atal, forging a crucial 95-run partnership off 59 balls for the third wicket. Atal scored a brisk 44 off 32 balls, including 2 sixes and 2 fours. After Atal’s dismissal, Zadran partnered with Azmatullah Omarzai (13) to push the score to 200.
Canada’s Jaskaran Singh was the standout bowler with 3 for 52, while Dillon Heyliger claimed 1 wicket. Afghanistan’s playing XI featured Gurbaz (wk), Zadran, Naib, Atal, Rasooli, Omarzai, Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Canada fielded Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (wk), Saad Bin Zafar, Dillon Heyliger, Jaskaran Singh, Kaleem Sana, and Ansh Patel. Canada now faces a daunting chase of 201 to salvage pride.