T20 World Cup AFG vs CAN Preview | Afghanistan aims to give a winning farewell to coach Trott

When Afghanistan and Canada first met in a T20, back in 2010, they were two teams on the same boat — Associate nations scrapping it out in the backwaters of international cricket.

Over the next 16 years, Afghanistan has zoomed far ahead of Canada in the global circuit, culminating in a landmark semifinal appearance at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

But, on Thursday (February 19, 2026), as Afghanistan and Canada clash in a T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage encounter at the MAC Stadium, the two sides will once again be on the same footing, at least within the confines of tournament cricket’s jeopardy.

Both teams are out of the reckoning for the World Cup’s Super Eight stage, rendering Thursday’s (February 19) meeting inconsequential.

In fact, both outfits had their elimination confirmed simultaneously on Tuesday (February 17), after Canada conceded defeat to New Zealand.

The mood in the Afghan camp, though, is likely to be more desolate. Having experienced the highs of global success in the 2024 edition, this World Cup has been a bruising return to reality for the Rashid Khan-led side.

The setback would be all the more stinging for Afghanistan, considering how close it came to overcoming South Africa in Ahmedabad in a double super over thriller.

“I think we haven’t taken smart decisions when put under pressure,” said Rashid on Wednesday (February 18, 2026). “That’s something which went wrong for us. That is something we need to improve when playing against good teams.”

On Thursday (February 19), Afghanistan will also bid farewell to its coach Jonathan Trott, who will leave the side after a stint that lasted over three years.

“We had some unbelievable games and tours with him. He has worked so hard with the guys. Everyone will miss him. I think he played a major role in taking this team on the right path,” said Rashid.

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