Their highest totals reflect not just individual brilliance but also a collective resolve to dominate
The stage is set at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground for an electrifying encounter between the West Indies and Afghanistan on June 18, 2024. With both teams advancing to the Super 8 from Group C, Afghanistan sits at the top of the group, edging out the co-hosts on net run rate. As New Zealand, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea bow out of the tournament, Afghanistan's path has been marked by blistering batting performances.
Let's delve into the top three highest totals Afghanistan has achieved in the T20 World Cup, highlighting their journey of dominance and resilience.
In a stunning display of batting fireworks, Afghanistan posted their highest T20 World Cup total of 190 for 4 against Scotland. Najibullah Zadran’s swashbuckling 59 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's brisk 46 set the stage ablaze. The match, held at a scenic venue in St. Vincent, saw Afghanistan’s batters put Scotland's bowlers to the sword. Najibullah and Gurbaz added a pivotal 87 runs for the third wicket, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total.
Credit: X
Najibullah on fire
Scotland, facing a daunting chase, crumbled spectacularly. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s magical spell of 5 for 20, including a sensational three-wicket over, left Scotland reeling. Rashid Khan then weaved his spin web, capturing 4 for 9 in just 2.2 overs. Scotland was bundled out for a paltry 60, giving Afghanistan a colossal 130-run victory, their biggest in this format.
The stakes were high in Nagpur when Afghanistan squared off against Zimbabwe, and they delivered a masterclass in batting to post 186 for 6. Mohammad Nabi’s career-best 52 and Shenwari’s crucial 43 anchored the innings after a shaky start. The pair stabilised Afghanistan’s innings, rescuing them from 63 for 4 with a partnership that laid the foundation for a challenging total.
Credit: Sky Sports
Afghan players celebrating a Zimbabwean wicket
Zimbabwe, despite a more resilient top-order performance, found themselves outmatched. Rashid Khan’s wizardry with the ball (3 for 11) and Hamid Hassan’s economical spell (2 for 11) strangled the chase. Zimbabwe faltered to 127 all out, handing Afghanistan a comprehensive 59-run win. This victory not only showcased Afghanistan’s batting depth but also their knack for defending totals with sharp, tactical bowling.
Against debutants Uganda, Afghanistan demonstrated their batting might by racking up 183 for 5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a batting clinic with the second-highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history. Gurbaz’s explosive 76 off 45 balls, complemented by Ibrahim’s solid 70 off 46, decimated Uganda’s bowling attack.
Credit: Times of India
The Gurbaz-Zadran duo sets the stage
Fazalhaq Farooqi then took centre stage with the ball, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is with figures of 5 for 9. Uganda's batters were left in tatters, collapsing to 58 all out in 16 overs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring a commanding 125-run victory for Afghanistan. Despite a late-order collapse that prevented Afghanistan from crossing 200, their total was more than enough to assert dominance.
The clash at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground promises to be a spectacle, with Afghanistan eager to further stamp their authority in the Super 8 stage. Fans can expect a thrilling contest where every run, wicket, and catch will be fiercely contested, embodying the very essence of T20 cricket’s unpredictable and exhilarating nature.
