Scotland defeated in opening T20

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Scotland lost to Afghanistan by 27 runs in the first of two Twenty20 internationals at Sharjah.

Mohammad Shahzad struck 55 from 46 balls as Afghanistan posted 132 for seven, Matt Machan claiming 3-23 to leave Scotland with high hopes of victory.

Mohammad Shahzad struck 55 from 46 balls to help Afghanistan to what proved a comfortable Twenty20 victory over Scotland

Machan then followed up those fine efforts by carrying the fight in reply with an unbeaten 38-ball 42, yet Scotland fell comfortably short on 105 for six.

Afghanistan lost a wicket in each of the first two overs after choosing to bat first, but a stand of 79 between Shahzad and Asghar Stanikzai steadied the ship.

Stanikzai fell for 30 and Gulbodin Naib hit 15 from 10 balls before he and Shahzad perished to Machan.

Calum MacLeod was run out in the first over of Scotland’s reply, which set the tone as they lost Neil Carter for three, Richie Berrington for 15 and Kyle Coetzer for 16 in stumbling to 43 for four at halfway.

Machan and Preston Mommsen put on 33 but the scoring rate was too slow and Scotland could only just limp into three figures. Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers with 2-12.