Sport
Klusener to step down as Afghanistan’s cricket coach
Former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener will step down as the head coach of Afghanistan’s national cricket team when his contract expires on December 31.
Klusener, who was appointed in September 2019, said in a statement issued on Monday he will not renew his contract.
“Having spent two years with the team, I will take away some memorable moments with me,” he said.
“As I walk away from Afghanistan cricket team and its cricketing structure, I look forward to the next stage in my coaching career and opportunities it brings.”
Klusener took over as head coach from Andy Moles, who was serving in an interim capacity after the exit of Phil Simmons following the 2019 World Cup.
While Afghanistan hardly played any cricket in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team did reasonably well under Klusener, winning one out of the three Tests, three out of the six ODIs and nine out of 14 T20Is.
Considered one of the best South African all-rounders during his playing days (1996 to 2004), Klusener scored 1,906 runs and took 80 wickets in 49 Tests. He also scored 3,576 runs and got 192 wickets in 171 ODIs.
Sport
Abasin Defenders beat Shamshad Eagles by four wickets in Kabul Premier League
Abasin Defenders chased down a target of 155 to beat Shamshad Eagles by four wickets in the fourth match of the Kabul Premier League at Ayoubi Cricket Ground in Kabul on Sunday night.
Shamshad Eagles, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were bowled out for 154 in 15.5 overs.
Mohammad Shahzad top-scored for the Eagles with 57 from 39 balls, while Muslim Musa provided a powerful late contribution with 50 off just 22 deliveries.
Abdollah Ahmadzai was the standout bowler for the Defenders, claiming five wickets for 19 runs from three overs. His spell earned him Player of the Match honours.
Rohed Janzai also took three wickets for 53 runs as the Defenders dismissed the Eagles with 25 balls still remaining in their innings.
The Defenders made a confident start to the chase but lost wickets at regular intervals. Waleed Miakhil anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 37 from 29 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Mohammad Akram added a crucial 25 from just nine balls to keep the chase on track, while Mohammad Amin finished the match in style, hitting an unbeaten seven from three deliveries, including a six.
The Defenders reached 158 for six in 18.1 overs, sealing victory with 11 balls to spare.
Mohammad Gul Alizai was the Eagles’ most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 38 runs from four overs.
The victory gave Abasin Defenders two points, while Shamshad Eagles finished the match without a point.
The result marked the Defenders’ first victory of the Kabul Premier League season.
Sport
Kabul Zalmi cruise to seven-wicket win over Pamir Stars
Masood Gurbaz was the star of the match, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 107 from just 46 deliveries to power Kabul Zalmi’s successful chase.
Kabul Zalmi produced a dominant batting display to beat Pamir Stars by seven wickets in the third match of the Kabul Premier League Season 4 on Sunday.
Batting first, Pamir Stars posted 190 for nine from their 20 overs, setting Kabul Zalmi a challenging target of 191.
Kabul Zalmi, however, chased down the target with ease, reaching 191 for three in just 16.3 overs to secure victory with 21 balls to spare.
Masood Gurbaz was the star of the match, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 107 from just 46 deliveries to power Kabul Zalmi’s successful chase.
His explosive innings ensured Kabul Zalmi remained in control throughout the run chase and secured an emphatic seven-wicket victory.
Gurbaz was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.
The result gives Kabul Zalmi an impressive start to their Kabul Premier League campaign, while Pamir Stars will look to bounce back in their next match.
All matches are being broadcast exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
Sport
Afghanistan beat Ireland by 3 wickets in third ODI
Afghanistan’s national cricket team defeated Ireland by three wickets on Monday in the third ODI of the five-match series in Belfast.
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Ireland were bowled out for 206 runs in 46.3 overs, setting Afghanistan a target of 207 runs.
Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed three wickets each for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s batters then produced a solid performance in the second innings, chasing down the target for the loss of seven wickets in 44.5 overs.
Afghanistan had also won the second match by 92 runs.
The fourth match between the two teams will be played on Wednesday, August 12, in Belfast, Ireland.
Fans can watch the fourth match live and exclusively in Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
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