Sport
Afghanistan rise above England to match their highest-ever ODI ranking
Afghanistan previously reached seventh place in May 2025, and their latest rise marks another milestone in the team’s progress in international cricket.
Afghanistan have climbed to seventh place in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s ODI team rankings, overtaking England and matching their highest-ever position in the format.
According to the rankings released on Saturday, October 24, Afghanistan have 94 rating points, moving one place up to seventh. England, the 2019 Cricket World Cup champions, have dropped to eighth with 93 points, while Sri Lanka occupy sixth place with 95 points
Afghanistan previously reached seventh place in May 2025, and their latest rise marks another milestone in the team’s progress in international cricket.
Tri-Series Triumph Boosts Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s improved ranking follows their impressive performance in the recently concluded tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the final on Friday, October 23, to secure the title.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza elected to bat first. However, Afghanistan’s bowling attack restricted Zimbabwe to 169 runs.
Raza was Zimbabwe’s leading scorer, making 68 off 83 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Rashid Khan led Afghanistan’s bowling effort with three wickets, helping dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Zadran and Rahmat Lead Successful Chase
Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target, reaching 170 for three in 34.3 overs.
Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 70 off 96 balls, while captain Rahmat Shah contributed 43 off 63 deliveries to guide Afghanistan to victory.
Rashid Khan’s bowling performance and Zadran’s composed batting proved crucial in securing the championship and strengthening Afghanistan’s position in the global rankings.
England Slip After Sri Lanka Defeat
Meanwhile, England have fallen to eighth place following a disappointing ODI defeat against Sri Lanka.
England failed to defend a formidable target of 430 runs, as Sri Lanka completed the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI cricket history.
Afghanistan’s rise above England highlights the team’s continued progress on the international stage and provides further momentum as they build toward future major tournaments, including the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Sport
ACL: Arman FC rally late but fall 3–2 to Sorkh Poshan Khafi
Arman FC scored twice in the closing stages but suffered a 3–2 defeat to Sorkh Poshan Khafi in the second half of the sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League on Saturday.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi took control at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with Basit Nazari opening the scoring from a free kick before Sohrab Afghan doubled the lead in the 27th minute.
The visitors extended their advantage to 3–0 in the 53rd minute, leaving Arman FC facing an uphill battle.
However, Arman FC mounted a late comeback attempt when Damola Iseoluwa Akanni scored in the 77th minute. Shokorullah Kohi then struck from long range in the 89th minute to reduce the deficit to one goal and set up a tense finish.
Despite their late surge, Arman FC could not find an equaliser as Sorkh Poshan Khafi held on to secure all three points.
Arman FC received one red card and committed nine fouls, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi recorded 10 fouls and received two yellow cards.
Arman FC will face Khurasan Faryab on October 26, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi take on Toofan Herat on October 27.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television Network.
Sport
Toofan Herat secure narrow win over Ariana Khost in ACL season six
Toofan Herat defeated Ariana Khost 1-0 in the 54th match of the second half of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Saturday.
The match was played at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with Obaidullah Omari scoring the only goal of the game to secure victory for Toofan Herat.
Omari headed the ball into the net in the first half to give Toofan Herat the lead. Despite efforts to equalize, Ariana Khost failed to find the back of the net.
Both teams created scoring opportunities in the second half, but neither managed to change the scoreline, and the match ended with a 1-0 victory for Toofan Herat.
Toofan Herat committed 16 fouls and received two yellow cards during the match. Ariana Khost, meanwhile, committed 17 fouls and received three yellow cards.
Toofan Herat will face Sorkh Poshan Khafi on October 27, while Ariana Khost will take on Abu Muslim Farah on October 26.
Matches in the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan are being broadcast live on Ariana Television Network.
Sport
Afghanistan defeat Zimbabwe to win Tri-Series ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are scheduled to meet again in a three-match Twenty20 international series, followed by a two-match Test series, with all five matches set to take place in Sharjah.
Afghanistan secured the tri-series title with a convincing victory over Zimbabwe, strengthening their preparations for upcoming international competitions and the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Afghanistan delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe in the final of a triangular cricket series also featuring Bangladesh, showcasing their bowling strength and batting depth ahead of a busy international schedule.
After Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza elected to bat first, Afghanistan’s bowlers made an immediate impact, reducing the hosts to 26-3 in the seventh over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai struck early before Bilal Sami dismissed experienced batter Brendan Taylor for nine runs.
Raza led Zimbabwe’s recovery with a fighting 68, while Ryan Burl added 31. The pair shared a 60-run partnership to steady the innings before Afghanistan struck back.
Burl’s dismissal in the 27th over triggered another collapse, with Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan leading the charge as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 169.
Rashid finished with figures of 3-41, while Sami claimed 2-27. Farooqi and Nabi took two wickets each to restrict Zimbabwe to a modest total.
Zadran Leads Afghanistan to Victory
Afghanistan’s chase was anchored by an unbeaten 70 from Ibrahim Zadran, who guided his team to victory with a composed batting display.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided early momentum with 30 runs before his dismissal, as Afghanistan reached 68 in the 10th over.
Zimbabwe attempted to regain control during the middle overs, with Wessly Madhevere dismissing Sediqullah Atal for six. However, the target remained within Afghanistan’s reach.
Captain Rahmat Shah contributed 43 runs and formed a valuable partnership with Zadran. Although Madhevere later dismissed Rahmat, Afghanistan completed the chase in the 35th over to claim the title.
Afghanistan Bounce Back After Opening Defeat
The triumph marked an impressive turnaround for Afghanistan after Zimbabwe began the tournament with a 99-run victory over Bangladesh. Craig Ervine scored 93 in that match, while Taylor contributed 81.
Afghanistan responded strongly, defeating Zimbabwe by 158 runs before beating Bangladesh by seven wickets to book their place in the final.
Rashid Khan was instrumental in those victories, taking eight wickets across the two matches and reinforcing his importance to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
The tournament also provided valuable opportunities for emerging players, including Sami and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, as Afghanistan continued to strengthen their squad depth ahead of future challenges.
Sharjah to Host Upcoming Series
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are scheduled to meet again in a three-match Twenty20 international series, followed by a two-match Test series, with all five matches set to take place in Sharjah.
The T20 series is scheduled to begin on October 27, with the remaining matches on October 29 and November 1. The first Test is scheduled for November 5-9, followed by the second from November 13-17.
The upcoming fixtures will offer both sides further opportunities to assess their squads, test emerging talent and build momentum ahead of future international competitions, including the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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