Sport

Afghanistan aim to strengthen ODI ranking in Ireland series

Published

2 months ago

August 4, 2026

Afghanistan will begin their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland on Wednesday, with the visitors looking to strengthen their position in the latest ICC men’s ODI rankings ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualification deadline.

The opening two matches will be played at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland on August 5 and 7, while the remaining three fixtures will take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on August 10, 12 and 15.

Afghanistan head into the series ranked eighth in the latest ICC ODI standings with 90 rating points, while Ireland sit 12th with 54 points.

The series is important for both teams as the ICC rankings on September 30, 2026, will help determine automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The top eight ranked teams, excluding hosts South Africa, will qualify directly for the tournament.

Afghanistan have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, winning their last six ODIs against Ireland. Ireland’s last ODI victory over Afghanistan came in March 2019.

The series will mark the first ODI assignment for Afghanistan’s new captain, Rahmat Shah, who took over the leadership after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down in June.

Afghanistan will be aiming to bounce back after suffering a 3-0 ODI series defeat to India earlier this year.

Ireland enter the series in confident form after recording a 2-0 T20I series victory over reigning T20 World Cup champions India last month. Jai Moondra, who was named Player of the Series against India, has earned his maiden ODI call-up, while Ben Calitz and Byron McDonough have also been included in the squad.

However, the hosts have been hampered by injuries, with Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany all unavailable for selection.

Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) holds the exclusive broadcast rights to the Ireland–Afghanistan ODI series and will air all five matches live across Afghanistan. Cricket fans can watch every ball live on Ariana Television and follow Ariana Television, Ariana Sport, and Ariana

News on Facebook, Instagram and X for match schedules, live updates, breaking news, and comprehensive coverage throughout the series.

Related Topics:Afghanistan ArianaNews featured Ireland ODI

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Afghanistan aim for winning start against Ireland

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Sport

ACL season six: Aino Mina and Omar Zawak play out 1–1 draw

Published

2 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Ariana News

Aino Mina Kandahar and Omar Zawak Herat played out a 1–1 draw in the 12th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium on Saturday.

Aino Mina made a strong start, with Mohammad Yaqoob scoring the opening goal in the sixth minute to put his team ahead.

Omar Zawak Herat responded eight minutes later, as Nematullah Karimi scored the equalizer in the 14th minute.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the second half, but neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match ended 1–1.

Ahlullah Darman of Aino Mina Kandahar was named the Player of the Match.

Aino Mina Kandahar will face Sarsabz Yashlar Faryab in their next match, while Omar Zawak Herat will take on Arman FC.

The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.

Sport

ACL: Sarsabz Yashlar edge Istiqlal Kabul 2–1

Published

22 hours ago

September 18, 2026

Ariana News

Last Updated on: September 19, 2026

Sarsabz Yashlar Faryab defeated Istiqlal Kabul 2–1 in the 11th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan.

The match was played on Friday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul.

The two teams played out a balanced first half, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

In the second half, Istiqlql Kabul’s Haroon Noori opened the scoring to put his side 1–0 ahead.

Sarsabz Yashlar responded by increasing the pressure, with Abdullah Maki equalizing in the 67th minute.

Adnan Nemati then scored Sarsab Yashlar’s second goal in the 82nd minute, completing the comeback and securing a 2–1 victory over Esteqlal Kabul.

Matches from the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan are being broadcast live on Ariana Television.

Sport

Sorkh Poshan Khafi beat Arman FC 2–0 in ACL season six

Arman FC will face Khurasan Faryab in their third match next Sunday, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi will take on Toofan Herat.

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2026

Ariana News

Sorkh Poshan Khafi secured a 2–0 victory over Arman FC in their second match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan.

The two sides faced off on Friday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul in the 10th match of the tournament.

Arman FC started brightly and looked dangerous in attack, creating several chances in the first half. However, they failed to find the back of the net.

Sorkh Poshan Khafi broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Ali Basit Nazari, who finished the chance to put his side 1–0 ahead. Nazari was later named Player of the Match.

Arman FC pushed for an equalizer after the break and enjoyed a significant spell of possession, but Sorkh Poshan Khafi defended well and remained dangerous on the counter.

The Khafi-based side sealed the win in second-half stoppage time when Naweed Mahboobi scored the second goal, securing a 2–0 victory.

Arman FC’s goalkeeper also produced several important saves to keep the scoreline from widening.

Arman FC will face Khurasan Faryab in their third match next Sunday, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi will take on Toofan Herat.

Both matches will be broadcast live on Ariana Television.