Sport

Afghanistan edge UAE by 4 runs in thrilling T20 Tri-Series clash

Published

8 months ago

September 6, 2025

Afghanistan clinched a narrow four-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in a thrilling finish to their Twenty20 tri-series match on Friday.

Chasing 171 for a consolation win after three earlier losses, UAE needed 17 runs from the final over. Power-hitter Asif Khan brought the equation down to just five required off the last three balls, but Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad held his nerve brilliantly. He delivered two pinpoint fuller deliveries that yielded no runs, before dismissing Asif on the final ball — caught at long-off for 40 — to seal a dramatic win. UAE ended on 166 for 5, just short of their target.

With a spot in Sunday’s final against Pakistan already secured, Afghanistan rested six of their first-choice players, including captain Rashid Khan. Even so, they posted a solid 170 for 4, powered by a 98-run opening stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Zadran narrowly missed his third consecutive half-century, scoring 48, while Gurbaz made a composed 40. The pair fell on back-to-back deliveries, but Afghanistan maintained momentum through useful late contributions from Karim Janat (28) and Gulbadin Naib (20*), adding 56 runs in the final five overs.

For UAE, left-arm spinner Haider Ali was the standout with the ball, taking 2 for 23.

In response, UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem came out firing in the powerplay, smashing three sixes and two fours in a brisk 44 off 29 balls. His aggressive start kept the chase alive, but he fell trying to ramp debutant fast bowler Abdollah Ahmadzai in the 11th over.

Afghanistan’s spinners then tightened the screws. Sharafuddin Ashraf (1 for 20) and Noor Ahmad (1 for 23) bowled tight spells in the middle overs, slowing the scoring and increasing pressure on the UAE batters.

Despite Asif Khan’s late flourish and some nervous moments in the Afghan camp, Fareed Ahmad’s composure in the final over ensured Afghanistan remained unbeaten in the tri-series. Pakistan and Afghanistan both finished with three wins each, while UAE ended their campaign winless after four games — all lost while chasing.

Afghanistan and Pakistan will now meet in Sunday’s final, with momentum on both sides after a string of successful defenses.

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Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026

Published

5 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Ariana News

Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.

Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.

Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.

Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.

More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sport

Afghan cricket delegation travels to China for technical cooperation

Published

21 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Ariana News

A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.

The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.

Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.

Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.

During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.

Sport

Los Angeles to welcome the world with historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opening event

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Ariana News

The United States is set to welcome the world with a major opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Los Angeles prepares to host a star-powered celebration marking the start of the tournament across North America.

FIFA announced that global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.

The event will officially launch what FIFA described as a “historic summer of football” across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organizers said the ceremony will combine football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.

Gianni Infantino said the ceremony in Los Angeles would showcase the scale and ambition of the 2026 World Cup, adding that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the power of music to unite people.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will take place across the three host nations. Mexico City will host the first ceremony on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.

The opening match in the United States will see the U.S. national team face Paraguay. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow all the action live on the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country. ATN will broadcast matches live on Ariana Television, providing full coverage of the world’s biggest football event for Afghan viewers.

Fans are also encouraged to stay connected with Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, including match schedules, team news, and other FIFA World Cup 2026 developments as the tournament draws closer.