International Sports
AFC Champions League Elite gears up for Round of 16 as league stage concludes
The 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite has reached a key juncture, with the Round of 16 scheduled to begin on 2 and 3 March following the conclusion of the league phase across both West and East regions.
Clubs that navigated the grueling league schedule now prepare for home‑and‑away knockout ties that will determine the continent’s last eight.
In the West Region, Saudi Arabia’s powerhouse sides dominated the standings, with Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad all securing top positions and progressing to the knockouts after strong league campaigns.
Across the East Region, a mix of Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai and Australian teams booked their places.
Well‑supported fixtures line up for early March, including matches between Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, as well as Melbourne City FC against Buriram United.
The format pits the top eight teams from each region against one another over two legs, with the first matches taking place on 2–3 March and return legs following a week later on 9–10 March.
Coaches and players alike are bracing for the intensity of knockouts, knowing that performances in these fixtures could set the tone for extended continental runs. The eight victorious sides will advance to the next phase of the competition later in the spring, which ultimately culminates in a final to be played in late April.
With the competition’s structure offering a pathway not only to Asian glory but also qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup for the eventual winners, the stakes in March’s knockout ties could hardly be higher.
Supporters across the region will be watching keenly as the drama unfolds in what promises to be a compelling next chapter in Asian club football.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings cruise past Kolkata Knight Riders
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.
Chennai Super Kings secured a convincing 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Tuesday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash, delivering a polished all-round performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai.
Batting first, Chennai posted a competitive 192/5 in their 20 overs, with valuable contributions from Sanju Samson (48) and Dewald Brevis (41), setting a challenging target.
In response, Kolkata struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 160/7, falling short despite a late push from the middle order. Spinner Noor Ahmad led the bowling effort with three crucial wickets, earning Player of the Match honours, as Chennai’s disciplined attack ensured the visitors never seriously threatened the total.
The result marks Chennai’s second consecutive win of the season, while Kolkata remain without a victory in the campaign so far.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.
Bengaluru enter the contest boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition, having consistently posted totals above 200 this season. Lucknow, meanwhile, will rely on their disciplined bowling unit as they look to bounce back from a recent defeat and climb the standings.
With conditions in Bengaluru traditionally favouring batsmen, the encounter is widely expected to produce another high-scoring contest.
Broadcast details
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow the action live on Ariana Television, which is broadcasting IPL matches across the country.
As the tournament gathers pace, both on-field competition and global viewership continue to rise, with key fixtures attracting growing international attention.
International Sports
RCB, Gujarat Titans secure wins in Sunday IPL double-header
In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare.
Two contrasting but equally compelling matches marked Sunday’s action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Gujarat Titans cruising to victory in the afternoon and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prevailing in a high-scoring evening clash.
In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare. Lucknow posted 164/8 in their 20 overs, but Gujarat chased down the target comfortably, finishing on 165/3 in 18.4 overs.
Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4/28 and earning Player of the Match honours. With the bat, captain Shubman Gill led from the front with 56 off 40 balls, while Jos Buttler added a quickfire 60, guiding Gujarat to a comfortable win.
The evening encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest. Bengaluru posted a formidable 240/4 in their 20 overs, powered by a blistering 78 from Phil Salt and a half-century from captain Rajat Patidar.
Mumbai Indians mounted a strong chase, finishing on 222/5, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 71 off 31 balls. However, the target proved too steep as Bengaluru held their nerve to secure victory.
The results continue to shape an increasingly competitive early phase of the IPL season, with teams beginning to build momentum in the standings.
Monday’s match
Attention now turns to Monday’s fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad face Rajasthan Royals. Both sides will be aiming to strengthen their positions, with key players expected to play decisive roles in what promises to be another closely fought contest.
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.
International Sports
IPL double-header delivers thrills as teams battle for momentum
In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.
Saturday’s double-header in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings record important victories as the tournament gathered pace.
In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.
In the second game, Chennai Super Kings overcame Delhi Capitals in a closely contested match, with Chennai holding their nerve in the decisive moments to secure the win.
CSK won by 23 runs.
The results provide both Punjab and Chennai with valuable momentum as teams begin to establish themselves in the early stages of the competition.
Sunday’s Matches
Attention now turns to Sunday’s double-header.
Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the first match of the day, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the standings.
Later, Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-profile clash expected to deliver another thrilling contest.
All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
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