Afghanistan and Zimbabwe set for winner-takes-all showdown

First place and a spot in the next round of the World Twenty20 is up for grabs when Afghanistan face Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The nations are locked on four points in Group B after winning their opening two games against the other competitors Hong Kong and Scotland.

However, only one can advance to the Super 10 stage and secure a berth in Group A, where Sri Lanka, South Africa, England and West Indies lie in wait.

One thing is for certain though, and that is history will be made in Nagpur as neither country has ever made it past the first round of the competition.

Mohammad Nabi was in match-winning form for Afghanistan, bagging four wickets as they defeated Hong Kong to set up the important clash against Zimbabwe.

“I am very happy with my performance – my best figures in a World Cup,” Nabi said after the match.

“The pitch conditions were slow and I decided to use my variations.”

Zimbabwe’s second group victory was a little less convincing than Afghanistan’s, winning by just 11 runs against Scotland.

Skipper Wellington Masakadza returned figures of 4-28 and is hoping he can guide his team to the next round.

“This has been a long time coming. I am trying to help my team qualify. I tried to pick up wickets and put [Scotland] under pressure early on,” he said.

“We have been playing well. The guys are gelling and are believing a bit more. We are looking to turn things around against Afghanistan.”