Afghanistan beat Scotland in T20 World Cup warm-up game

Afghanistan commenced their T20 World Cup preparations with a commanding 55-run victory over Scotland in a warm-up match at Port of Spain on Friday.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan scored 178/8 in their 20 overs. Gulbadin Naib was the standout performer, blasting 69 runs off just 30 balls. He was well-supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed 48 runs from 36 balls, and captain Rashid Khan, who added a quick 15 off seven balls.

In response, Scotland struggled against Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack and managed only 123/9. Mujeeb ur Rehman and Karim Janat were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets. Naveen ul Haq, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib each claimed a wicket, stifling Scotland's chase. Despite efforts from George Munsey, who scored 28 off 18 balls, and Mark Watt, who added 34 off 25 balls, Scotland fell short by 55 runs.

Afghanistan is set to play its first T20 World Cup match against Uganda on Tuesday, June 4. Scotland will face England in Barbados on the same day.

In another warm-up match on Friday, Sri Lanka took on Ireland. Batting first, Sri Lanka set a target of 169. Ireland, however, failed to reach the target and were bowled out for 122 in 18.2 overs, resulting in a 41-run victory for Sri Lanka.