KATHMANDU: Afghanistan ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high, defeating Canada by 82 runs in a one-sided Group D clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.

Despite the dominant win, there was no fairytale ending for the Afghan Atalan, who were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third with two wins from four matches.

Chasing a target of 201, Canada managed only 118 for 8, with Harsh Thakur top-scoring with 30 and Saad Bin Jafar contributing 28.

Mohammad Nabi led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with 4 wickets, while Rashid Khan added 2 more.

Earlier, Afghanistan had posted a formidable 200 for 4, powered by an unbeaten 95 from Ibrahim Zadran, who struck 7 fours and 5 sixes off 56 balls.

Sedikullah Atal also impressed with a brisk 44 off 32 deliveries. Canada’s Jaskeeran Singh picked up 3 wickets for 52 runs in a rare bright spot for the visitors.

Canada finished at the bottom of the group without registering a win, while South Africa and New Zealand advanced to the Super Eight stage from Group D.

Afghanistan had previously made headlines by reaching the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Zimbabwe continued their impressive run, beating co-host Sri Lanka by seven wickets at home and topping Group B with seven points from four matches.

The final group-stage match will see Australia face Oman in Kandy on Friday.

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Photos: Mahesh Kumar A./AP

KATHMANDU: Zimbabwe continued their excellent form in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday to finish as group winners and book a confident place in the Super Eight stage.

Remaining unbeaten in the group stage, Zimbabwe collected seven points, while co-hosts Sri Lanka finished second with six points.

Chasing a challenging target of 179 runs, Zimbabwe reached 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs.

They needed eight runs in the final over and held their nerve to seal the victory.

Brian Bennett played the match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls, including eight boundaries.

Captain Sikandar Raza provided crucial support with 45 off 26 balls. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (34) and Ryan Burl (23) also made valuable contributions.

Earlier, Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, elected to bat first and posted 178 for 7 in 20 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 62 off 41 deliveries, striking eight fours.

Pawan Rathnayake added a quick 44 off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

Sri Lanka started aggressively but failed to maintain the momentum through the middle and death overs, allowing Zimbabwe to control the chase and finish the group stage unbeaten.

KATHMANDU: In a Group B encounter of the T20 World Cup at R Premadasa Stadium, hosts Sri Lanka posted 178/7 in 20 overs, setting Zimbabwe a target of 179.

Pathum Nissanka starred with 62 runs, supported by Pawan Ratnayake (44), Kusal Perera (22), Dunith Wellalage (15), and Kusal Mendis (14).

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, and Grimy Crimmer claimed two wickets each, while Ryal Burl took one.

Both teams have already secured spots in the Super Eight stage.