International Sports
ILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders end Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run in dramatic one-run win
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders handed Desert Vipers their first defeat of the season, clinching a dramatic one-run victory in a high-intensity clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The Knight Riders’ triumph was built around a commanding half-century from Liam Livingstone, whose 76 anchored the innings and powered the side to a competitive 181 for 5. The total proved just enough as the Knight Riders’ bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs to halt the table-topping Vipers.
Chasing 182, Desert Vipers made a strong start through an opening stand of 53 without loss between Fakhar Zaman and Max Holden. Fakhar struck 44 from 32 deliveries, while Holden impressed with a fluent 52 off 43 balls, reaching his half-century with six boundaries.
The momentum shifted in the middle overs when Andre Russell provided a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Holden in the 12th over. Russell struck again soon after to remove Fakhar, leaving the Vipers at 114 for 2 and under growing pressure. Sunil Narine tightened the screws with a miserly spell, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs.
Despite brief resistance from Hasan Nawaz, Khuzaima Tanveer and Sam Curran, wickets continued to fall at key moments. With 19 needed from the final two overs, Ajay Kumar held his nerve in the last over to defend 12 runs and seal a thrilling win for the Knight Riders.
Earlier, the Knight Riders recovered from a shaky start after slipping to 9 for 2 inside two overs. Alex Hales counterattacked with a brisk 25, but it was Livingstone and Alishan Sharafu who stabilized the innings with a vital 50-run partnership. Sherfane Rutherford’s late cameo, combined with Livingstone’s six fours and three sixes, ensured a strong finish.
Livingstone was named Player of the Match, calling the win “very important” for the team. Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson admitted the loss was disappointing but praised the contest as a “great game of cricket.”
Cricket fans across Afghanistan can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television today, Wednesday December 17, from 2pm to watch the next match, between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Royals cruise past Super Giants as Jadeja shines
Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted 159 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja anchoring the innings with a composed unbeaten 43.
Indian Premier League (IPL) action on Wednesday saw Rajasthan Royals register a commanding 40-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in Match 32 of the 2026 season.
Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted 159 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja anchoring the innings with a composed unbeaten 43. The Royals recovered well after a steady middle phase, adding valuable late runs to set a competitive target.
In reply, Lucknow faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 119 in 18 overs, despite a fighting 55 from Mitchell Marsh. The Royals’ bowling attack proved decisive, led by Jofra Archer, who claimed three crucial wickets to break the back of the chase.
Jadeja’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his impact with both bat and ball in a dominant team display.
The win strengthens Rajasthan’s position in the standings, while Lucknow continue to search for consistency as the tournament progresses.
Attention now shifts to Thursday’s blockbuster clash between the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, one of the most storied rivalries in the IPL.
The high-profile encounter is expected to draw widespread attention, with veteran star MS Dhoni once again in the spotlight as Chennai look to challenge a strong Mumbai side.
The match will be broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television, continuing the network’s coverage of the IPL for cricket fans across the country.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians crush Gujarat Titans by 99 runs
The match was defined by a sensational innings from Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 101 off just 45 deliveries to power Mumbai to a commanding total.
Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Monday, defeating Gujarat Titans by 99 runs in a dominant Indian Premier League encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The match was defined by a sensational innings from Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 101 off just 45 deliveries to power Mumbai to a commanding total. The left-hander’s maiden IPL century came at a crucial time for his side, lifting them out of a recent slump with a display of clean, aggressive hitting that dismantled the Gujarat bowling attack.
After a steady start, Varma accelerated sharply through the middle and death overs, finding boundaries with ease and maintaining a high strike rate to push Mumbai well beyond Gujarat’s reach.
In reply, Gujarat Titans faltered under scoreboard pressure. Their batting lineup failed to build partnerships as Mumbai’s bowlers tightened control early on. Ashwani Kumar led the charge with the ball, claiming four wickets in a disciplined spell that ensured the hosts never threatened the target.
Gujarat were eventually bowled out well short, handing Mumbai one of their most convincing wins of the season and snapping a four-match losing streak.
The result provides a timely boost for Mumbai Indians as the tournament enters a critical phase, while Gujarat Titans will be left searching for answers after a heavy defeat on home soil.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s IPL fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Delhi Capitals. Hyderabad will be aiming to continue their strong run of form, while Delhi are looking to secure an important victory to improve their standing in the competition.
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively in Afghanistan on Ariana Television, providing fans nationwide with comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
Featured
Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings win IPL double-header
The results add further intensity to the league standings as teams continue their push for playoff positions.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) produced two matches yesterday, Sunday April 20, in the latest round of fixtures, with wins for the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Punjab Kings.
In the first match, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets in a tightly contested encounter. Rajasthan set a competitive total, but Kolkata managed the chase with two balls to spare in a controlled finish.
Bowler Varun Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match for his impactful spell, which helped restrict Rajasthan during the middle overs and shift momentum in Kolkata’s favour.
In the second match, Punjab Kings secured victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring contest. Punjab’s batting unit laid the foundation with an aggressive total, which their bowlers defended despite a late push from Lucknow.
Shikhar Dhawan was awarded Player of the Match for his key contribution at the top of the order.
The results add further intensity to the league standings as teams continue their push for playoff positions.
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
Today’s match features the Gujarat Titans taking on the Mumbai Indians in what is expected to be a competitive clash between two strong sides.
Both teams will be aiming for consistency as the tournament progresses, with Gujarat looking to strengthen their position and Mumbai seeking momentum.
The match will be shown live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
-
Sport4 days agoKabul hosts international wrestling tournament, highlighting regional ties and unity
-
Latest News1 day agoBayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
-
Latest News3 days agoAlbanian PM criticizes NATO’s Afghanistan withdrawal
-
Latest News2 days agoUK considers talks with IEA over deporting Afghan asylum seekers
-
World4 days agoUS seizes tanker, Trump orders navy to use force as Hormuz tensions escalate
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghanistan-Pakistan talks in Urumqi were positive: Muttaqi
-
Sport1 day agoAfghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan secure top spots at Kabul wrestling festival
-
Regional5 days agoIran tightens grip on Hormuz as ceasefire uncertainty lingers
