Abasin Defenders produced a dominant bowling performance to defeat Kabul Zalmi in the second match of the Kabul Premier League on Saturday, August 8, at the Ayoubi Cricket Ground in Kabul.

Kabul Zalmi won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings quickly unravelled as Abasin Defenders’ bowlers struck regularly.

Kabul Zalmi were bowled out for 63 in 7.2 overs, leaving Abasin Defenders with a modest target to chase.

Sediqullah Pacha was the standout performer for Abasin Defenders, claiming the Player of the Match award for his match-winning bowling performance.

Abasin Defenders chased down the target comfortably to secure a convincing victory and get their Kabul Premier League campaign off to a winning start.

The result followed the opening match of the tournament earlier on Saturday, when Pamir Stars defeated Shamshad Eagles by 116 runs.

The Kabul Premier League features six teams — Pamir Stars, Shamshad Eagles, Kabul Zalmi, Speenghar Warriors, Abasin Defenders and Band-e-Amir — competing in the 2026 tournament.

All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television, allowing cricket fans across Afghanistan to follow the competition.

The 2026 Kabul Premier League got underway in Kabul on Saturday, with Pamir Stars producing a dominant batting performance to defeat Shamshad Eagles by 116 runs in the opening match of the tournament.

The 20-over match was played at the Ayoubi Cricket Ground, where Shamshad Eagles won the toss and elected to field first.

Pamir Stars made the most of the opportunity, posting a formidable 307 for six from their 20 overs.

Abdul Malik led the way with a spectacular 117 from just 48 balls, while Haroon Khan added 59 from 29 deliveries to help Pamir Stars set a huge target.

Shamshad Eagles fought back with the bat but could only reach 191 for seven in their 20 overs, falling 116 runs short of the target.

Hayatullah top-scored for Shamshad Eagles with 55 from 35 balls, while Samiullah Shinwari contributed 40 from 27 deliveries.

Amir Zazai and Wakeel Ahmad took two wickets each for Pamir Stars, while Muslim Musa and Mohammad Gul Alizai claimed two wickets apiece for Shamshad Eagles.

Abdul Malik was named Player of the Match for his explosive century, giving Pamir Stars an emphatic start to their campaign.

The Kabul Premier League features six teams — Pamir Stars, Shamshad Eagles, Kabul Zalmi, Speenghar Warriors, Abaseen Defenders and Band-e-Amir. The tournament provides a platform for domestic players to compete at a high level and showcase their abilities.

All matches in the 2026 Kabul Premier League are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television, giving cricket fans across Afghanistan the opportunity to follow the tournament.

Afghanistan have secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI of their five-match series in Bready.

The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s place among the teams that will qualify directly for the 2027 tournament, removing the pressure from the remaining matches of the Ireland series.

Afghanistan join South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka among the teams that have secured their places at the 2027 World Cup.

South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as co-hosts, while the remaining teams earned their places through the ICC ODI ranking qualification process.

The first ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. Afghanistan then produced a convincing performance in the second match, winning by 92 runs and securing the result they needed to confirm their World Cup place.

The qualification is another major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, which has established itself as a regular presence at global ICC tournaments over the past decade.

The result also ended the West Indies’ hopes of securing one of the direct qualification places. Ireland, meanwhile, will have to take the longer route through the 10-team World Cup Qualifier.

Afghanistan and Ireland still have three ODIs remaining in the current series, with the third match scheduled for August 10, followed by the fourth on August 12 and the fifth on August 15.

With their World Cup place secured, Afghanistan can now approach the remaining matches without the pressure of qualification hanging over the team.

The 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Afghanistan face Ireland for the third of five matches tomorrow, Monday 10. 

Fans across Afghanistan can watch the match live and exclusively on Ariana Television.

For updates, schedules and news on the tour, fans can follow Ariana Television, and Ariana News’ social media pages.