Afghanistan beat Scotland by 14 runs in World T20 2016

Opener Mohammad Shahzad top-scored with a sparkling 39-ball 61.

New Delhi: In the 2nd match of the ICC World Twenty20, qualifying rounds, Afghanistan beat Scotland by 14 runs at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, in the Group B match.  

Mohammad Shahzad blistering knock of  39-ball 61, laced with five boundaries and three sixes, played a huge role in Afghanistan's victory.

Deciding to bat first, Afghanistan made a huge score of 170 and then restricted their opponents to 156 for five.

Skipper Asghar Stanikzai also slammed a fifty. 

The highlight of Afghanistan innings was undoubtedly the knock played by Shahzad and his 82-run second-wicket partnership with Stanikzai.

Scotland got off to a flying start in their chase as openers George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer added 84 runs in mere nine overs.

But then Koetzer was dismissed by Samiullah Shenwari for 40 and soon Munsey also perished three runs later, making 41 off 29 balls.

That was the turning point of the match as from there on Afghanistan tightened the grip over the match and eventually beat Scotland. 

Brief scores:

Afghanistan: 170/5 in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 61, Asghar Stanikzai 55 not out; Alasdair Evans 1/24, Mark Watt 1/30, Josh Davey 1/44)

Scotland: 156/5 in 20 overs (George Munsey 41, Kyle Coetzer 40, Matt Machan 36; Rashid Khan 2/28.)