Afghanistan bag one-sided win over Namibia

Afghanistan have claimed a one-sided win in Abu Dhabi as they thumped Namibia by 62 runs in the Group 2 fixture of the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan bowlers restricted Namibia to 98/9 after batters posted 160/5. They are now placed at number two in Group 2 ahead of India and New Zealand.

It’s all over! Afghanistan have registered a comprehensive victory over Namibia by 62 runs. #AFGvNAM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/guInJynJDV

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) October 31, 2021

Afghanistan openers provided a brisk start after skipper Mohammad Nabi opted to bat first for a third consecutive time in the competition.

Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad scored 53 runs with Zazai smashing the ball all over the ground. The left-hander made 27-ball 33, powered by a quartet of fours and two sixes.

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Namibia kept Afghanistan in check after the powerplay with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (4) cheaply. Shahzad tried to pull things in favour but fell to Ruben Trumpelmann in the 13th over. The wicketkeeper scored 45 in 33 balls with the help of three fours and a couple of sixes.

Meanwhile, Ashgar Afghan received a guard of honour from Namibian players as he batted for one last time for Afghanistan in international cricket. He held one end but Loftie-Eaton put a blow to the score with Najibullah Zadran's (7) dismissal.

Asghar Afghan says that Afghanistan were "hurt very badly" after defeat against Pakistan, which is why he decided to retire. #AFGvNAM #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/cLjltnEBwt

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) October 31, 2021

Afghanistan were provided impetus at the backend by captain Nabi, who hit 17-ball 32* while Asghar departed for 23-ball 31. Afghanistan scored 46 in the last four overs, giving Namibia a target of 161.

Loftie-Eaton and Trumpelmann were impressive with two wickets each while JJ Smit bagged one wicket.

In return, Afghanistan rattled Namibia in the powerplay. Pacer Naveen-ul-Haq removed openers Craig Williams (1) and Michael van Lingen (11) in his first two overs.

In the sixth over, Gulbadin Naib sent Loftie-Eaton (14) back while Rashid Khan bagged wicket of Zane Green (1) on his first ball of the match.

Pacer Hamid Hasan, in his first match of the competition, put a further dent to Namibia by bagging captain Gerhard Erasmus (12) and JJ Smit (0) in one over. 

David Wiese put up a lone effort for his 26 but Namibia only managed a score of 98 for the loss of nine wickets. 

Afghanistan pacers enjoyed the outing as Naveen-ul-Haq and Hamid bagged three wickets each while Gulbadin Naib took two.