Sport
Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan face Bangladesh in crucial Group B clash in Abu Dhabi
The encounter could prove decisive in shaping the group standings, with both teams vying for a place in the Super Four stage.
Afghanistan will take on Bangladesh on Tuesday evening in a high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Group B match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The encounter could prove decisive in shaping the group standings, with both teams vying for a place in the Super Four stage.
Afghanistan come into the contest with renewed confidence after their emphatic 94-run victory over Hong Kong, where opener Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s power-hitting cameo lit up the scoreboard. Their bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad, also found rhythm, raising hopes that Afghanistan’s pace-spin balance can challenge Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, began their campaign strongly with a win against Hong Kong but faltered against Sri Lanka in their second outing. That defeat has left them under pressure to bounce back against a spirited Afghan side. Much will depend on their top order, particularly Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, while all-rounders such as Mahedi Hasan could prove decisive with both bat and ball.
Conditions in Abu Dhabi have so far offered a fair contest between bat and ball, with teams that settle quickly at the crease reaping rewards. The toss is expected to play a key role, with chasing under lights potentially advantageous if dew becomes a factor.
For Afghanistan, the match is also about momentum and national pride. With Naveen-ul-Haq sidelined due to injury, the bowling attack has leaned on youth and fresh energy, symbolizing the country’s new generation of cricketers.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be determined to assert their experience and avoid slipping further behind in the group race.
With a place in the Super Four on the line, both teams are expected to come out firing in what promises to be a tightly contested battle in Abu Dhabi.
Sport
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.
Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.
Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.
Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.
More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sport
Afghan cricket delegation travels to China for technical cooperation
A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.
The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.
Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.
Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.
During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.
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