Afghanistan ended the second day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at 113 for 1 after 35 overs, remaining 391 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings total at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday

Zimbabwe, who resumed Day Two at 326 for 5, continued their strong batting performance and posted an imposing total of 504 runs in 134.3 overs before being bowled out.

In reply, Afghanistan reached 113 for 1 at the close of play, showing a positive start with the bat as they look to reduce the substantial first-innings deficit.

Afghanistan will resume their innings on Day Three, aiming to build a strong partnership and narrow the gap against Zimbabwe.

At stumps on Day Two, Zimbabwe held a commanding position, with Afghanistan trailing by 391 runs and nine wickets remaining in their first innings.

Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team opened its ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 113-run victory over Bangladesh.

Bowlers Amir Hamza, Noor Ali Niazai and Samiullah Mubariz led Afghanistan’s bowling attack, taking three wickets each to help secure the win.

Afghanistan’s under-18 futsal team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their second Group A match at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday.

Argentina secured victory with a dramatic late goal from Valentino Martínez in the final minute, ending Afghanistan’s hopes of taking points from the closely contested encounter at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar, Senegal.

The South American side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Afghanistan goalkeeper and captain Ahmad Esmaeili. However, Afghanistan responded strongly, with Ali Ahmadi finding the equaliser in the 18th minute to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Afghanistan defended resolutely throughout the second half, with Esmaeili producing important saves to keep Argentina at bay as the contest remained finely balanced.

Just as the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Martínez struck again to secure all three points for Argentina.

The result leaves Afghanistan with three points from two matches in Group A, following an impressive 5-0 victory over Panama in their opening fixture.

Argentina, meanwhile, moved to six points and secured qualification for the semi-finals.

Afghanistan will now turn their attention to their final group match against hosts Senegal on Saturday, November 7, with a place in the knockout stages still at stake.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 9.