Afghanistan Dominate Scotland In T20 World Cup Warm-Up Opener

As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the subcontinent, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches have kicked off with a bang, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying global tournament. The opening fixture saw Afghanistan deliver a resounding statement of intent, dispatching Scotland by 61 runs at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru on February 2, 2026. This clash, the first of sixteen warm-up encounters scheduled between February 2 and 6 across India and Sri Lanka, signaled both the competitive edge and the high stakes that define T20’s shortest format.

Afghanistan’s victory was as commanding as it was comprehensive. Opting to bat first, the Afghan side piled up a daunting 184 for 6, thanks in large part to a masterful knock from Darwish Rasooli. Rasooli’s 84 was the backbone of the innings, a composed display that steadied Afghanistan after early wickets and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. The lower order chipped in with handy contributions, keeping the pressure firmly on Scotland’s bowlers and never allowing the run rate to dip.

Scotland, led by Richie Berrington, faced a steep climb in their chase. The Scottish openers showed flashes of aggression—George Munsey’s run-a-ball 13 hinted at intent—but the Afghan bowling attack was relentless. Michael Jones (21 off 29) and Matthew Cross (21 off 25) attempted to anchor the innings through the middle overs, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Berrington himself managed only 8 runs, as Afghanistan’s disciplined bowlers struck at crucial moments, tightening the screws and forcing mistakes from the Scottish batsmen.

The result was a collapse that saw Scotland bowled out for 123, well short of their target. Afghanistan’s all-round performance, with both bat and ball, sent an early warning to their World Cup rivals. The team’s confidence is clearly on the rise, and their ability to execute under pressure bodes well as they eye a deep tournament run. For Scotland, the defeat highlighted areas needing urgent attention, particularly in handling quality spin and maintaining composure in high-pressure chases.

This opening fixture was just the tip of the iceberg. The ICC has confirmed a packed schedule of 16 warm-up matches, strategically spread across four cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai in India, and Colombo in Sri Lanka. The venues—ranging from the iconic DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to the storied M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai—are set to buzz with anticipation as teams fine-tune their lineups and test combinations before the main event begins on February 7.

Indian fans, in particular, have plenty to look forward to. The defending champions are slated for a marquee warm-up against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium on February 4, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge. Meanwhile, India A, captained by Ayush Badoni, will play two warm-up games, including a much-anticipated clash with the USA on February 2 at the same venue. Tickets for these high-profile matches are available both online via BookMyShow and at the stadium box office, ensuring that the stands will be packed with passionate supporters eager to catch their heroes in action.

Broadcasting and digital coverage of the warm-ups is extensive. In India, all India and India A matches are being shown live on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar, giving fans the chance to follow every ball, no matter where they are. Select matches, including Afghanistan v Scotland, are also available on Jio Hotstar, with highlights accessible on ICC digital platforms such as ICC.tv. Internationally, coverage spans a host of broadcasters—Sky Sports in the UK, Willow in North America, AF Sports in Afghanistan, and SuperSport in sub-Saharan Africa, to name just a few—ensuring the warm-up action reaches cricket lovers worldwide.

The tournament’s build-up has been further energized by the release of the official event song, ‘Feel The Thrill’ by Anirudh Ravichander, adding a festive buzz to the proceedings. And while the focus is on cricket, the subplots are equally compelling. Tilak Varma’s return from surgery to join the Indian squad after the first two warm-up matches has been closely watched, with captain Suryakumar Yadav confirming that the left-hander “is looking in good shape and expected to join the squad after the first two warm-up matches.” Such storylines add depth to the competition, as teams balance fitness concerns, player form, and tactical experimentation in the run-up to the main event.

Elsewhere, the warm-up schedule is packed with intriguing matchups. Oman face Sri Lanka A, Netherlands take on Zimbabwe, and Nepal go head-to-head with UAE—all offering glimpses of emerging talent and potential dark horses. Pakistan, despite their high-profile boycott of the group-stage match against India, are set to play Ireland in Colombo on February 4 in their only warm-up fixture. These games are more than just tune-ups; they’re opportunities for teams to build momentum, for players to stake their claim, and for fans to gauge the form and fortunes of their favorites.

For Afghanistan, the emphatic win over Scotland is more than just a morale boost—it’s a statement of intent. The team, semi-finalists in the 2024 edition, are keen to shed the label of underdogs and establish themselves as true contenders. Their blend of dynamic batting, shrewd bowling, and fearless fielding makes them a team to watch, and their performance in Bengaluru has only reinforced that reputation.

Scotland, meanwhile, will be eager to regroup and address the chinks in their armor. Captain Berrington and his squad have additional warm-up fixtures to find their rhythm and iron out tactical issues before the tournament proper. The lessons from this defeat—about handling pressure, rotating the strike, and building partnerships—will be invaluable as they look to bounce back in the days ahead.

With the warm-up phase now underway, excitement is reaching fever pitch across the cricketing world. The blend of established powerhouses, rising stars, and passionate fan bases promises a World Cup to remember. As teams continue to test combinations and build momentum, every match, every run, and every wicket takes on added significance.

As the dust settles on Afghanistan’s opening triumph, attention now turns to the remaining warm-up fixtures. With India A, South Africa, the USA, and other contenders set to take the field, the coming days will be crucial in shaping the narrative of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. For now, Afghanistan’s dominant display has set the benchmark—and the rest of the field knows the bar has been raised.