Sport
Afghanistan defeats West Indies by 38 runs, take early lead in T20I series
Darwish Rasooli and Ibrahim Zadran put together a record-breaking third-wicket partnership of 162 runs off 106 balls.
Afghanistan, also known as AfghanAtalan, delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat the West Indies by 38 runs in the opening match of the T20I series in Dubai, taking a 1–0 lead on Monday.
After winning the toss, captain Rashid Khan elected to bat, but Afghanistan suffered an early setback as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed on the first ball of the innings. Sediqullah Atal soon followed, leaving the hosts struggling at 19 for 2 in the third over.
The innings was then rebuilt in spectacular fashion by Darwish Rasooli and Ibrahim Zadran. The pair put together a record-breaking third-wicket partnership of 162 runs off 106 balls, steadying the innings and accelerating strongly in the latter stages.
Rasooli scored a brilliant 84 off 59 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes, while Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87. Afghanistan finished on a competitive 181 for 3.
The partnership was the highest-ever third-wicket stand for Afghanistan in T20 internationals and the second-highest for any wicket in the format for the team.
In response, Afghanistan’s bowlers made early inroads, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman striking in the opening over. Regular wickets followed as the visitors were reduced to 50 for 5 in the ninth over, leaving them under constant pressure.
Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, playing only his second T20I after a seven-year gap, was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 for 36 in his four overs.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad also made vital contributions, picking up two wickets each to restrict the West Indies to 143.
Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock and sharp fielding effort, which included three catches.
With the victory, Afghanistan take a 1–0 lead in the series. The two sides will meet again in the second T20I on Wednesday, January 21.
Afghanistan’s U-15 national football team defeated India 2-1 in the quarter-finals of Tier C at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan on Thursday.
The match marked Afghanistan’s eighth appearance in the competition, with the young Afghan side recording their fifth victory.
Afghanistan will face Hungary in the semi-finals of the placement competition for positions 81 to 88 later on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s U-15 national football team secured a convincing 6-2 victory over Namibia in the Round of 16 of the lower bracket in Tier C at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
Afghanistan will now face India in the quarter-finals for positions 81 to 88, today (Thursday).
Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 37 runs in the opening match of their three-match T20I series in Sharjah on Tuesday, thanks to a blistering half-century from Ijaz Ahmadzai and impressive all-round performances from Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Afghanistan were struggling at 66 for 5 in the 12th over before Ahmadzai turned the innings around with an explosive knock. He reached his half-century off just 20 balls, putting Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure with a series of powerful shots.
Ahmadzai combined with Shahidullah, who scored 46 off 42 balls, to rebuild the innings. The pair added 61 runs in just 4.5 overs, helping Afghanistan recover from their early setbacks.
Rashid Khan provided another late surge, smashing 30 runs off just 10 deliveries, including four sixes and a four. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out with one ball remaining in their innings but managed to post a competitive total of 177.
Newman Nyamhuri was Zimbabwe’s leading bowler, claiming four wickets for 31 runs.
In reply, Zimbabwe struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 140, handing Afghanistan a comfortable victory.
Rashid played a key role with the ball, taking two wickets for 20 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi also claimed three wickets to restrict Zimbabwe’s chase.
Afghanistan tightened their grip during the middle overs as Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck crucial blows. Mujeeb finished with two wickets, while Zimbabwe continued to lose batters at regular intervals and failed to build the partnerships needed to challenge the target.
The victory marked Afghanistan’s sixth consecutive T20I win against Zimbabwe and improved their overall record in the format to 20 wins against two defeats.
The sides will meet again for their next T20I on Thursday.
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