ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Ibrahim Zadran's 95 powers Afghanistan to 82-run win over Canada

Batting first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 200 for 4 from their 20 overs. After slipping to 49 for 2 in the Powerplay, the innings was rebuilt with composure and intent. Ibrahim Zadran anchored the recovery, sharing a vital 50-run stand in 33 balls with Sediqullah Atal to steady the platform.

Afghanistan brought up their fifty in 6.1 overs and continued to build through the middle phase, reaching 100 in 11.4 overs. Zadran was the standout, raising a well-crafted half-century from just 33 balls. His innings, featuring five fours and two sixes, blended control with calculated aggression.

At the 13.6-over drinks break, Afghanistan were strongly placed at 121 for 2, with Zadran on 54 and Atal on 32. The acceleration came late but decisively. They crossed 150 in 16.1 overs before launching a fierce final assault to close on 200 for 4 - a total that always looked beyond Canada's reach. Zadran ended up on 95 not out.

Canada's reply never gained momentum. Reduced to 34 for 3 inside the Powerplay, they struggled against disciplined Afghan bowling. They reached 50 in 9.2 overs but lost wickets at regular intervals, which kept the required rate climbing.

At 91 for 5 at the 13.6-over mark, there was brief resistance from Harsh Thaker (28) and Saad Bin Zafar (19). Their 50-run partnership in 34 balls lifted Canada past 100 in 14.6 overs, but the target proved far too steep.

Canada finished on 118 for 8, as Afghanistan sealed a commanding victory built on a strong top-order foundation and relentless control with the ball.