Momentum was the theme of Thursday’s (19) action at the T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe and West Indies protected their unbeaten records while Afghanistan closed their campaign with a statement win.
Across Colombo, Kolkata and Chennai, clinical bowling spells and composed chases underlined why these sides are peaking at the right time heading into the Super Eights.
Afghanistan crush Canada to finish strong
At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Afghanistan produced one of their most complete performances to overpower Canada by 82 runs.
Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with a superb 95* off 56 balls, stitching a crucial 95-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal after the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Canada’s chase never truly gathered pace as Mohammad Nabi spun a web with four wickets and Rashid Khan applied pressure through the middle overs, sealing a convincing finish for the Afghan side.
Zimbabwe continue dream run in Colombo
Zimbabwe’s fairy-tale campaign rolled on at Colombo where they stunned Sri Lanka with a composed six-wicket chase.
After restricting Sri Lanka to 178/7 through disciplined spells from Graeme Cremer and Blessing Muzarabani, the chase was set up by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 63 and captain Sikandar Raza’s explosive 45 off 26 balls.
Earlier, Pathum Nissanka had given Sri Lanka a flying start with 62, but Zimbabwe’s calm middle-overs control once again proved decisive as they topped Group B unbeaten.
West Indies outclass Italy to stay unbeaten
Over in Eden Gardens, West Indies maintained their authority with a 42-run victory against Italy.
Captain Shai Hope held the innings together with a commanding 75 off 46 deliveries, guiding the Caribbean side to 165/6 on a surface where runs were hard-earned.
The bowlers then took over, with Shamar Joseph’s pace fetching 4/30 and Matthew Forde adding 3/19 as Italy were bundled out for 123 inside 18 overs.
Momentum building at the right time
With Zimbabwe’s belief soaring, West Indies’ all-round balance shining, and Afghanistan rediscovering their cutting edge, the race to the Super Eights has gained serious intensity.
If Thursday’s performances are any indication, these sides are not just qualifying, they are arriving with intent.
