Sport
Lanka T10: Jaffna Titans’ skipper advocates for format to expand globally
With the much-anticipated Lanka T10 Super League 2024 in full swing, Jaffna Titans’ all-rounder David Wiese voiced his belief this week that the T10 format serves as a crucial tool for players wanting to hone their skills.
Wiese said: “In any format, particularly in T10, bowlers face a very slim margin for error. It’s vital to master your skills as any misstep can be costly. T10 absolutely aids players in honing their abilities.”
He went on to say that there is “certainly a space for T10, especially in terms of reaching emerging markets. It represents a fantastic opportunity to expand cricket’s footprint in those regions.
“However, I must say that as the game shortens, it can sometimes lead to one-side affairs, where a single player can swing the tide of the match,” he noted.
He did say that despite the excitement of T10s, he believes there is a distinct value in longer formats.
“They reflect the essence of the game, and I trust players will continue to prioritize formats like T20s, ODIs, and Tests. However, it’s undeniable that T10 is catching on swiftly,” he said.
Wiese also expressed his joy at participating in the tournament and commended fans in Sri Lanka for their enthusiasm.
“It’s incredible to be back in Sri Lanka. The tournament’s successful start is encouraging, and the turnout has been impressive.”
Sri Lanka is the latest country to launch a T10 league, having witnessed the growing popularity of the event around the world.
Earlier this month, the Abu Dhabi T10 League wrapped up its 8th season.
As with other T10 leagues, the fast-paced tournament brought together some of the big names in international cricket.
Lanka T10 is no different, and for its launch event teams snapped up seven Afghan players.
They feature in four teams.
Najibullah Zadran is playing for Colombo Jaguars; and left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak is in Kandy Bolts’ lineup.
Nuwara Eliya Kings snapped up two Afghans, Zubaid Akbari; and right-arm pacer Aftab Alam.
Hambantota Banga Tigers in turn have three players from Afghanistan in their squad.
They are Hazratullah Zazai, who famously hit 162 off 62 balls, the highest in a T20I, in Dehradun in February 2019 against Ireland; Karim Janat, the younger brother of Asghar Afghan; and one of the country’s most celebrated batsmen, Mohammad Shahzad.
Lanka T10 Watch Live
Cricket fans across the country can tune in to Ariana Television from 2pm Friday, December 13, to watch the event live.
The league will wrap up on December 19.
Sport
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan set for friendly cricket clash in Khost
The match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will host Uzbekistan’s national cricket team for a one-off T20 international on July 10 at the Rahmat Wali Masroori Cricket Ground in Khost province.
According to the ACB, the match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The friendly match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, with an Afghan XI taking on the visiting Uzbek side. The game will be broadcast live across Afghanistan and internationally through various linear and digital platforms.
Quoted by the ACB, Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board remains committed to supporting emerging cricket nations such as Uzbekistan and is ready to extend similar assistance to other countries seeking to develop the sport.
He noted that the ACB has already organized capacity-building programs and training workshops for members of the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan, while several Uzbek fast bowlers also participated in the ACB’s specialized Fast Bowling Camp last year.
Khan added that Uzbekistan has consistently maintained a friendly policy toward Afghanistan and that the two countries have strengthened cooperation in healthcare, politics, and trade in recent years. He said closer collaboration in cricket development would further deepen relations between the two neighboring nations.
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
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