Sport
New Zealand cruise past Afghanistan by five wickets in T20 World Cup
Despite the strong batting display, Afghanistan struggled to contain New Zealand’s deep and aggressive batting lineup.
New Zealand produced a confident all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by five wickets, chasing down a target of 183 with 13 balls to spare in their first match of the T20 World Cup in India’s Chennai on Sunday.
Afghanistan, batting first, posted a competitive 182 for 6 from their 20 overs, built around a powerful knock from Gulbadin Naib, who top-scored with 63 off 35 balls. Naib’s innings, laced with clean hitting and smart placement, gave Afghanistan much-needed momentum after a mixed start. Contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) and Sediqullah Atal (29) helped steady the innings, while late runs pushed the total beyond the 180 mark.
Despite the strong batting display, Afghanistan struggled to contain New Zealand’s deep and aggressive batting lineup.
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Tim Seifert, who set the tone at the top with a fluent 65 off 42 balls, attacking both pace and spin with ease. Although early wickets fell, Glenn Phillips swung the match decisively with a blistering 42 off 25 deliveries, keeping the required run rate firmly in check.
The middle order ensured there were no late jitters, with Daryl Mitchell (25 not out) and captain Mitchell Santner (17 not out) calmly guiding the team home in 17.5 overs, finishing at 183 for 5.
Afghanistan’s bowlers found moments of success, particularly Mujeeb Ur Rahman, but were unable to apply sustained pressure as New Zealand consistently found boundaries during key phases of the chase.
Afghanistan will face South Africa in their next match on Wednesday.
Afghanistan won the 2026 Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in the final on Sunday.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia scored 115 runs in their six overs, with Max Bryant leading the innings with 44 runs.
Afghanistan chased down the target in 5.1 overs, finishing the match with five balls to spare. Imran Mir starred with the bat, scoring 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes, while Farmanullah contributed 26 runs.
Twelve teams competed in the tournament. Afghanistan reached the final after securing victories over South Africa, Oman and Scotland before overcoming Australia in the title decider to lift the trophy.
Afghanistan finished their campaign at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival with a penalty shootout victory over hosts Azerbaijan, securing 83rd place among 189 participating nations.
The Afghan side drew 3-3 with Azerbaijan in the 83rd-place play-off in Baku on Friday before winning 3-2 on penalties to end the tournament on a winning note.
Afghanistan recorded six victories during the competition, defeating Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Sudan, Namibia, India and Azerbaijan. They also suffered four defeats against Turkey, Russia, Thailand and Hungary.
The inaugural 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival featured 189 nations, with Spain crowned champions after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final on October 30.
Arman FC suffered a 2–0 defeat against Aino Mina Kandahar in the 66th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Saturday.
The match was held at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with both teams looking to secure a positive result.
The first half ended goalless, as neither side managed to convert its scoring opportunities.
Aino Mina took the lead shortly after the break when Ahmad Nabi Muqaddas found the net in the 47th minute. The forward scored again in the 75th minute, doubling his team’s advantage and putting Aino Mina in a strong position.
Arman FC attempted to get back into the match following the two goals, but were unable to find the net before the final whistle. The match ended with a 2–0 victory for Aino Mina Kandahar.
Arman FC will play its next match against Sarsabz Yashlar on November 3, while Aino Mina Kandahar will face Toofan Herat on November 5.
The sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan is being broadcast live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).
Afghanistan crowned 2026 Hong Kong Sixes champions
Binance says it has covered $6 billion of $6.3 billion stolen in hack
Turkish Daesh suspect Uğur Bahadır arrived at Islamabad airport, trained in Balochistan: sources
Afghanistan finish 83rd at inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival
Rubio signals US openness to playing role amid Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions
Cricket Bonanza: Afghanistan set for packed international schedule
ACB announces Afghanistan squads for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe series
Afghanistan finish runners-up after 6-0 defeat to Brazil in futsal final
India, Pakistan summon top diplomats over border incident
Pakistan says Mecca pact members to hold emergency talks on engaging Houthis
Tahawol: Disruptions in Iran’s trade with neighboring and regional countries
Saar: Regional opportunities and challenges for Afghanistan discussed
Exclusive interview with Nooruddin Turabi, Director General of ANDMA
Tawsia: Afghanistan’s mining potential for economic growth discussed
Saar: Regional coalition against Israel-US discussed
-
Sport5 days agoAfghanistan U-18 futsal team in Senegal ahead of Youth Olympic Games
-
Sport5 days agoATN to bring historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics to Afghan audiences
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan beat India 2-1 at FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival
-
International Sports5 days agoEngland forward Kane crowned Ballon d’Or winner
-
Business1 day agoUS sanctions and blockade measures disrupt Iran’s trade with Afghanistan and regional neighbors
-
Latest News3 days agoTrial of eight Afghan men accused of child sexual exploitation moved to London
-
World4 days agoNetanyahu, Eisenkot stake rival claims to lead Israel after deadlocked vote
-
Tahawol5 days agoTahawol: Emphasis on security cooperation at Tehran talks discussed