Afghanistan will begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a warm-up match against Scotland on Monday afternoon in Bengaluru. This opening warm-up fixture is important for both teams as they look to finalize combinations, test form players, and adjust to Indian conditions before the main tournament begins.
Afghanistan enter the contest as clear favourites due to their experience, depth in all-rounders, and strong spin attack. Scotland, meanwhile, will aim to gain match rhythm and challenge a higher-ranked side with disciplined bowling and fearless batting.
AFG vs SCO Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Warm-up Matches |
| Match | Afghanistan vs Scotland (Match 1) |
| Date | Monday, 2 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST |
| Venue | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru |
AFG vs SCO Match Preview
Afghanistan
Afghanistan will rely heavily on their experienced core, led by Rashid Khan, along with explosive batters at the top and reliable all-rounders in the middle order. This match gives them a chance to build momentum and ensure their key players are match-ready.
Key Focus Areas
- Fast starts from the top order
- Controlling the middle overs with spin
- Testing all-rounder balance
Scotland
Scotland see this warm-up as an opportunity to test their depth and adaptability. Facing quality spin and pace in Indian conditions will help them identify gaps before the group-stage matches.
Key Focus Areas
- Handling spin pressure
- Building partnerships
- Bowling discipline in death overs
AFG vs SCO Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Dominant record |
| Scotland | Yet to register a win |
Afghanistan have historically controlled this matchup, especially through spin bowling and aggressive batting.
Weather & Pitch Report – Bengaluru
Weather
- Temperature: Around 29°C
- Conditions: Sunny
- Rain: No interruption expected
Pitch
- Batting-friendly surface
- Good pace and bounce early
- Pacers get assistance with the new ball
- Average 1st Innings Score: 165–170
- Chasing teams have enjoyed success here
Predicted Playing XI
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Scotland
- George Munsey
- Michael Jones
- Tom Bruce
- Richie Berrington (c)
- Brandon McMullen
- Michael Leask
- Matthew Cross (wk)
- Chris Greaves
- Mark Watt
- Safyaan Sharif
- Bradley Wheal
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Captaincy Picks
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Explosive opener and wicketkeeper
- Ibrahim Zadran – Consistent run-scorer at the top
Top Picks
- Mohammad Nabi – Reliable all-round impact
- Brandon McMullen – Scotland’s key all-rounder
Budget Picks
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Powerplay wicket-taker
- Chris McBride – Useful all-round option
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Vice-Captain | Brandon McMullen, Mohammad Nabi |
Dream11 Team Combination (Suggested)
Team 1
- Keepers: Matthew Cross, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Batters: Richie Berrington, George Munsey, Ibrahim Zadran (C)
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Brandon McMullen (VC)
- Bowlers: Mark Watt, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad
Team 2
- Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (C)
- Batters: Richie Berrington, George Munsey, Ibrahim Zadran
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi (VC), Azmatullah Omarzai, Brandon McMullen, Chris McBride
- Bowlers: Mark Watt, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Players to Avoid (Fantasy)
| Player | Credits | Recent Points |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Ishaq | 7.0 | NA |
| Michael Jones | 6.5 | NA |
Expert Fantasy Advice
- Small League Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
- Grand League Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Punt Picks: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris McBride
- Recommended Combination: 1–5–4–1
AFG vs SCO Match Winner Prediction
Afghanistan appear more balanced with superior batting depth and a proven spin attack. Scotland will compete, but unless they deliver an exceptional performance, Afghanistan are expected to stay in control.
Predicted Winner: Afghanistan
Disclaimer
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