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Afghanistan A makes history; claims Emerging Teams Asia Cup Title 2024

Following a remarkable semi-final win against India A, Afghanistan’s bowlers once again played a crucial role in securing the title

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Afghanistan A made history on Sunday night in Oman when the team bagged their maiden Emerging Teams Asia Cup Title after beating Sri Lanka A by 7 wickets. 

The final held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat not only marked a significant achievement for Afghanistan A but also highlighted their bowling prowess throughout the tournament.

Following a remarkable semi-final win against India A, Afghanistan’s bowlers once again played a crucial role in securing the title.

Afghanistan A’s bowling attack established dominance from the outset of the final match. 

Sri Lanka A faced immense pressure and struggled to form stable partnerships as they attempted to build their innings. 

Sahan Arachchige emerged as the lone warrior for Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 64 runs off 47 balls. 

However, his efforts were not enough to propel his team to a competitive total, as Afghanistan’s bowlers stifled their scoring opportunities effectively. 

Bilal Sami delivered an outstanding performance, taking 3 wickets for just 22 runs, while Allah Ghazanfar maintained an impressive economy rate with figures of 2 for 14. 

The pitch at Al Amerat proved challenging for both teams, contributing to the low scores. 

Sri Lanka A managed to post only 133 runs, a total that would require exceptional bowling to defend.

Afghanistan A’s innings began with an unexpected twist when opener Zubaid Akbari was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. 

This early setback could have derailed their chase; however, Sediqullah Atal showcased remarkable composure at the crease. His steady knock of 55 runs off 55 balls provided much-needed stability and allowed Afghanistan to recover from the initial shock.

Despite losing Akbari early, Atal’s resilience and tactical approach helped Afghanistan navigate through difficult phases of their innings.

The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to capitalize on their early success, managing only three dismissals throughout Afghanistan’s innings. 

As Afghanistan approached the target, Mohammad Ishfaq stepped up to guide his team home with a calm finish. 

His controlled batting ensured that Afghanistan reached their target with 11 balls to spare, sealing a seven-wicket victory. 

The combination of Atal’s anchoring innings and Ishfaq’s composed finish underscored the depth and talent within Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Significance of the victory

Cricket Times reports that this triumph is monumental for Afghanistan A as it underscores the burgeoning talent within their ranks. 

The team’s balanced approach - marked by exceptional bowling and resilient batting - demonstrates significant growth on the international stage. 

The performances of players like Sami and Ghazanfar were pivotal not just in this match but throughout the tournament, showcasing their potential to impact senior cricket in the future.

 

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Afghanistan crush Bangladesh in landmark match at Sharjah

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Mohammad Nabi's 84 off 79 balls and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar's six-wicket haul led Afghanistan to a 92-run victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah on Wednesday in the first one-day international of a three-match series.

Chasing a mediocre 236, Bangladesh were bowled out for 143 as they lost their last eight wickets for 23 runs in Sharjah, which became the first venue to host 300 men's international matches.

Afghanistan were reeling at 71-5 before captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (52) and Nabi lifted them to 235 in 49.4 overs.

Bangladesh cruised to 120-2 in the chase led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but they collapsed after Nabi broke the partnership.

Sharjah will also host the remaining two matches in the series.

 

(Reuters)

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Afghanistan bat first, hand ODI debut to Sediqullah Atal

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Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss against Bangladesh in the first ODI in Sharjah on Wednesday afternoon and opted to bat first.

Shahidi said after the toss the reason for choosing to bat first was that “the pitch looks good and the ball moves a bit under lights”.

As the match got underway, Afghanistan handed a debut to left-hand opening batter Sediqullah Atal, with regular opener Ibrahim Zadran ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Atal, however, has played six T20Is already.

Afghanistan enters the series on the back of a 2-1 win against South Africa in September, while Bangladesh are playing their first ODI in eight months.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also included some familiar faces including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi along with
Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib.

Afghanistan are coming off a 2-1 win against South Africa, even as Bangladesh are playing their first ODI in eight months

But Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading his squad in the three-match ODI series as they look to bury their misery after being thrashed by South Africa in their two-match Test series last week.

Bangladesh meanwhile sit eight in the ICC ODI team rankings – just ahead of Afghanistan at ninth.

But Afghanistan are on a high in limited overs cricket, having beaten top nations including England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in last year's World Cup held in India.

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Afghanistan to tour Zimbabwe for all-format series 

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said the tour will take place from December 9 to January 6

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AfghanAtalan will tour Zimbabwe next month for an all-format series that will feature two Test matches, three ODIs and three T20Is. 

According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) the tour will take place from December 9 to January 6. 

First up will be a three-match T20I series to be played on December 9, 11 and 12 at the Harare Sports Club.

This will be followed by a three-match ODI series on December 15, 17, and 19 at the same venue. 

The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series in Bulawayo, with the first Test scheduled from December 26 to 30 and the second from January 2 to 6.

Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said in a statement that “this year (2024) has been quite productive for us both domestically and internationally, and we’ve had good achievements. 

“We are committed to striving hard and adding more bilateral cricket to our calendar in the next year and bringing more glory to our nation,” he said.

“The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us. We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been challenging, but it’s a challenge I believe the AfghanAtalan can face confidently,” he added.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said December 26 and January 1 “Test matches are iconic cricket fixtures that we are delighted to be adding to our calendar this festive season and we are looking forward to celebrating in style one of the finest traditions in the sport’s long history.

“Before the Test series, scheduled for Bulawayo, we will start off with some T20I and ODI action in Harare to complete a full tour, a clear demonstration of our commitment to improve our game across all formats.

“Matches between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are always intense and exciting affairs and we have no doubt the players will once again serve up some great entertainment befitting such a historic tour.”

The AfghanAtalan squad will arrive in Zimbabwe on December 6, where they will have two practice sessions before the first T20I match on December 9.

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