Sport
Afghanistan dominates Hong Kong in Asia Cup opener
Afghanistan launched their 2025 Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the tournament opener at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 188/6 in their 20 overs.
Opener Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. He was well-supported by all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who delivered a blistering 53 off just 21 balls, including two fours and five sixes.
Their fifth-wicket partnership of 82 runs proved pivotal in setting a challenging target. Veteran Mohammad Nabi contributed 33 runs from 26 balls, adding stability to the middle order.
In response, Hong Kong’s chase faltered early. Despite a resilient 39-run knock from Babar Hayat, the team struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi each claimed two wickets, while Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Omarzai added one wicket apiece. Hong Kong was restricted to 94/9 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by 94 runs.
Despite the emphatic win, Afghanistan’s coach Jonathan Trott emphasized areas for improvement.
He noted that the team was fortunate with dropped catches and highlighted the need for greater consistency and accountability among the batters.
Trott expressed confidence that the team would address these issues ahead of their next match against Bangladesh on September 16.
Afghanistan’s dominant performance sets a strong precedent in Group B. With key players in form and a clear focus on refining their game, the team aims to build momentum as they progress in the tournament.
Omar Zawak Herat secured a 1-0 victory over Toofan Herat in the 24th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul.
The match was played on Saturday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium.
Both sides created scoring opportunities in the first half, but neither team managed to find the net before the break.
Omar Zawak Herat broke the deadlock in the 86th minute when Shadab Malikzadah scored with a fine strike to give his side the lead.
Toofan Herat committed eight fouls and received two yellow cards, while Omar Zawak Herat recorded six fouls and received one yellow card and one red card.
Toofan Herat will face Aino Mina Kandahar on September 29, while Omar Zawak Herat will take on Abu Muslim Farah on September 30.
Matches from the sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League are being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Afghanistan are set to face India in the Asian Games cricket quarter-finals after Saturday’s rain-hit match between Nepal and Japan confirmed the Pool A standings.
The quarter-final between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place on September 28 in Nisshin, Japan.
Nepal secured first place in the group after Japan’s chase was washed out. Nepal had scored 149 runs for four wickets in 15 overs after being sent in to bat, but persistent rain prevented Japan from starting its innings.
The result saw Nepal advance as Pool A winners, with Afghanistan joining them in the quarter-finals as the other qualifying team. Nepal will face Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals.
Japan have been eliminated from the tournament.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi secured a convincing 6-0 victory over Esteqlal Kabul today (Friday) in the 23rd match of the sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Football Federation Stadium in Kabul.
Reza Gholami opened the scoring for Sorkh Poshan Khafi in the fourth minute with a header before Sohrab Afghan doubled the lead in the 21st minute.
Afghan struck again four minutes into the second half to make it 3-0, while Yar Mohammad added the fourth goal in the 52nd minute.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi completed the rout with two further goals in the 68th and 70th minutes, securing a 6-0 win.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
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