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.
Arman FC suffered a 1-0 defeat against Abu Muslim Farah in the 83rd match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Wednesday.
Abu Muslim Farah found the back of the net once in the first half, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Despite efforts from both sides in the second half, neither team managed to score, and the match ended in a 1-0 victory for Abu Muslim Farah.
Arman FC will face Kabul Istiqlal on November 15 in their final match of the competition, while Abu Muslim Farah will take on Toofan Herat on November 14.
All matches of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan are broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi have mathematically secured the sixth-season Roshan Afghanistan Champions League title after recording a commanding 7-0 victory over Khurasan Faryab in the competition’s 82nd match on Wednesday.
The Herat-based side moved to 47 points from 17 matches, putting the championship beyond the reach of their closest rivals with one fixture still remaining in their campaign.
The title was effectively decided by the result, rather than the conclusion of the competition, as other teams still have matches to play.
Before Wednesday’s encounter, Sorkh Poshan had 44 points, six ahead of second-placed Abu Muslim Farah. Even if Abu Muslim win both of their remaining matches, they can reach only 44 points, leaving Sorkh Poshan uncatchable.
Sorkh Poshan took a 1-0 lead into half-time in Wednesday’s match before producing a devastating second-half display, scoring six additional goals to complete the 7-0 rout.
The victory also confirmed the club’s outstanding consistency throughout the campaign, establishing them as the season’s dominant side.
Sorkh Poshan will play their final league fixture against Omar Zawak on November 15, giving the team an opportunity to finish their campaign on another high note.
Khurasan Faryab, meanwhile, are scheduled to face Sarsabz Yashlar on November 14 as the remaining league fixtures continue.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League features 10 clubs competing in a league format, with the title now decided ahead of the final round of matches.
Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) broadcasts all matches of the competition live on Ariana Television.
Sport
Historic first for Rahmat Shah after ICC rankings update
It was Rahmat’s fifth Test century of his career and second this year and it helped the 33-year-old jump in front of the likes of India captain Shubman Gill.
Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has created history by becoming the first player from his country to enter the top 10 in any category of the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings.
Rahmat climbs six spots to seventh on the rankings for Test batters following his innings of 173 in the opening match of Afghanistan’s two-game series with Zimbabwe in Sharjah, with the in-form right-hander reaching a new career-high rating in the process.
It was Rahmat’s fifth Test century of his career and second this year and it helped the 33-year-old jump in front of the likes of India captain Shubman Gill, South Africa opener Aiden Markram and Sri Lanka left-hander Kamindu Mendis and earn a spot inside the top 10 for the very first time.
It caps off a good fortnight for Afghanistan, who earlier this month achieved their highest-ever spot on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings when they rose to sixth on the back of a tri-series triumph over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
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