Aino Mina secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over third-placed Omar Zawak in Match 57 of the sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Sunday.

Aino Mina, who were seventh in the points table before the match, scored five goals through Nabi Muqadas and Hedayatullah, who each netted twice, and Omid Sahel.

Omar Zawak responded with goals from Khatam Shirdel, Shadab Malekzada, Bilal Ahmad and Azamuddin Hajizada, but could not prevent defeat.

The match also saw Aino Mina receive one yellow card and one red card, while Omar Zawak were shown two yellow cards. Aino Mina recorded eight fouls, two offsides and four corners, compared with Omar Zawak’s 10 fouls, nine offsides and three corners.

The victory gave Aino Mina a valuable three points as they continued their campaign in the 10-team competition.

The sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League Roshan is being broadcast live on Ariana Television, bringing the action to football fans across the country.

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.