Afghanistan sign off Jonathan Trott era with commanding win over Canada

Afghanistan brought down the curtain on their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, hammering Canada by 82 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

Though the 2024 semi-finalists failed to progress to the Super 8s, the emphatic win offered a fitting send-off to head coach Jonathan Trott, under whom the side has scaled new heights in recent years.

Put in to bat, Afghanistan produced one of their most complete batting displays of the tournament, posting a daunting 200 for 4. Ibrahim Zadran was the architect, crafting an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, peppered with seven fours and five sixes. Composed yet authoritative, he marshalled the innings expertly after an enterprising start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who struck a brisk 30 off 20 balls in a 47-run opening stand.

Zadran then found strong support in Sediqullah Atal, the pair adding 95 runs for the third wicket to put Canada firmly on the back foot. Atal’s fluent 44 off 32 deliveries blended maturity with aggression, ensuring Afghanistan maintained momentum through the middle overs. Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli provided the finishing touches. For Canada, Jaskaran Singh claimed three wickets but at considerable cost.

In reply, Canada never gained a foothold. Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early and often, reducing the chase to damage control within the powerplay. Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Dilpreet Bajwa, while Omarzai accounted for Navneet Dhaliwal, who was playing his final international match. A warm exchange between Rashid Khan and Dhaliwal as he departed added a poignant touch to the evening.

The standout performer with the ball was veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Exhibiting immaculate control and clever variation, Nabi returned remarkable figures of 4 for 7 from his four overs, slicing through the middle order. He dismissed Yuvraj Samra, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton and Dilon Heyliger to snuff out any hopes of a revival.

Rashid chipped in with two for 19, including the wicket of Saad Bin Zafar, as Canada were restricted to 118 for 8 in their 20 overs. Brief resistance from Thaker (30) and Bin Zafar (28) was never enough to threaten the imposing target.

While Afghanistan’s tournament ended earlier than anticipated, the dominant performance ensured they departed on a high — restoring pride and giving Trott the farewell his transformative tenure warranted.