Sport
Afghanistan aim for winning start against Ireland
Led by captain Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan boast an experienced squad featuring a powerful batting line-up and one of the world’s most effective spin attacks.
Afghanistan will begin their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland today, with the opening match taking place at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland.
The series marks an important step in both teams’ preparations for future ICC tournaments, including the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan arrive as the higher-ranked side and will be looking to continue their strong record against Ireland in the 50-over format.
Led by captain Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan boast an experienced squad featuring a powerful batting line-up and one of the world’s most effective spin attacks.
Ireland, playing on home soil, will be aiming to use familiar conditions to challenge the visitors and make a strong start to the series.
Today’s match gets underway at 1:30 p.m. Kabul time, with overcast conditions and the possibility of light rain forecast during the day.
Any interruptions are expected to be brief, while the conditions could assist the seam bowlers early before the pitch becomes more favourable for batting as the match progresses.
Both teams will be eager to secure an early advantage in what is expected to be a competitive five-match contest.
Based on recent form, head-to-head record and squad strength, Afghanistan enter the opening ODI as favourites, with an estimated 65% chance of victory, while Ireland are given a 35% chance of pulling off an upset.
The five-match ODI series will be played between August 5 and August 15, with matches scheduled at Bready Cricket Club and Stormont in Belfast.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast today’s match live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
Sport
Arman FC secure 3-1 victory over Sarsabz Yashlar in ACL
Arman FC will face Toofan Herat in their next fixture on November 7, while Sarsabz Yashlar are scheduled to take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi on the same day.
Arman FC defeated Sarsabz Yashlar 3-1 in the 70th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Tuesday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium.
Sarsabz Yashlar took the lead in the 17th minute, but Arman FC equalized through Fardin Azizi in the closing stages of the first half to make it 1-1 at the break.
Arman FC took the lead in the second half when Malcolm Isaiah Shaw scored directly from a long-range free kick in the 65th minute.
Shaw added his second goal of the match in the 80th minute, extending Arman FC’s lead to 3-1 and securing all three points for his side.
Shaw was named Man of the Match for his two-goal performance.
Arman FC will face Toofan Herat in their next fixture on November 7, while Sarsabz Yashlar are scheduled to take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi on the same day.
All matches of the sixth season of the Roshan Afghan Champions League are broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Sport
Afghanistan futsal team thrash Panama 5-0 in flying start to Dakar Youth Olympics
Under the Dakar 2026 men’s futsal format, eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage.
Afghanistan got their men’s futsal campaign at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games off to a flying start, defeating Panama 5-0 in their opening Group A match on Monday, November 2.
The Afghan side delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice in the first half and adding three more goals after the break to complete a convincing five-goal victory.
Reza Karimi, Hussain Hassani, Mohammad Akbari, Farhad Nazari and Ali Ahmadi were all on target, with each player scoring once.
Hassani and Zakir Hussain Abdullahi registered two assists, and Akbari registered one.
The emphatic result gives Afghanistan three valuable points and an excellent start to their bid for a place in the semi-finals.
Under the Dakar 2026 men’s futsal format, eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage.
Afghanistan will next face Argentina on November 4 before concluding their Group A campaign against Senegal on November 7.
The five-goal victory provides an early boost for Afghanistan as they look to progress through the group stage and challenge for a medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
Fans can meanwhile tune in and watch the Dakar Youth Olympic Games exclusively on Ariana Radio and Television Network.
Sport
Afghanistan achieve their highest ICC Men’s ODI team ranking
They have won 96 of their 191 matches in the ODI format with an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09.
Afghanistan have climbed to the sixth spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, surpassing Sri Lanka to secure their highest-ever position.
Since making their ODI debut in 2009, Afghanistan have been ever-rising across formats, with historic feats such as wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023 and a maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final appearance in 2024.
They have won 96 of their 191 matches in the ODI format with an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09.
Afghanistan were already above experienced teams like Bangladesh, England and West Indies, and have now also overtaken Sri Lanka to achieve their highest-ever position in the Men’s ODI Team Rankings.
Their recent successes include a 4-0 series win over Ireland away from home and an unbeaten run in the recently concluded tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
They recently clean swept Zimbabwe in the T20I format as well, and are now all set to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series.
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