Sport
Afghanistan end T20 World Cup campaign with convincing win over Canada
In their final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan national cricket team finished their Group D campaign on a high, defeating Canada national cricket team by 82 runs in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s strong performance, highlighted by a superb unbeaten 95 from Ibrahim Zadran, powered them to a commanding total of 200 for 4 before bowling Canada out well short of the target.
The victory provided a morale-boosting finale to what had otherwise been a frustrating tournament for Afghanistan. Despite registering two wins — including this match and a five-wicket success over the United Arab Emirates earlier in the group stage — Afghanistan were unable to secure enough points or net run-rate to advance to the coveted Super Eight stage.
Afghanistan’s campaign had been hindered by narrow defeats in critical matches against New Zealand and South Africa, with the latter encounter decided in a dramatic double Super Over. Those losses ultimately left the team outside the top two qualification spots in a highly competitive Group D, which saw South Africa and New Zealand progress.
For Afghan fans, the win over Canada offered some consolation and a chance to celebrate the team’s fighting spirit. But it was also a bittersweet moment as the match marked the final outing under head coach Jonathan Trott, who stepped down following the tournament. Trott, a former international player, leaves having helped nurture Afghanistan’s development on the world stage and guide them through several high-profile global events.
While Afghanistan’s World Cup journey ends here, there are positive takeaways — from emerging talent to memorable performances — that will shape the team’s future as they continue striving for greater success in international cricket.
Sport
Qosh Tepa crowned champions of inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
Qosh Tepa were crowned champions of the inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League after defeating Akhawat in Thursday’s championship final in Kabul, bringing the country’s first-ever professional wrestling league to a successful conclusion.
Qosh Tepa’s wrestlers secured more victories across the 10 weight-class contests than their Akhawat counterparts, earning the inaugural league title and lifting the first Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League championship trophy.
The competition featured some of Afghanistan’s top wrestlers representing 10 teams in a season that showcased the country’s growing interest in the sport.
Throughout the tournament, athletes competed in a series of closely contested matches, with the league providing a new platform for both established wrestlers and emerging talent.
The 10 participating teams were:
- Akhawat
- Bala Hissar
- Doosti
- Spin Ghar
- Setareha
- Solh
- Qala Dost
- Fath
- Qosh Tepa
- Kahkashan
The inaugural league attracted enthusiastic crowds throughout the competition, with supporters filling the arena to cheer on their teams. The tournament generated significant interest on social media and highlighted wrestling’s popularity across Afghanistan.
The entire inaugural season was broadcast live and exclusively by Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) allowing viewers across Afghanistan to follow every match from the opening day through to the championship final.
The league marked the first time a national wrestling competition in Afghanistan had been broadcast live by Ariana Radio and Television Network, representing an important milestone for the sport’s development in the country. Organisers hope the success of the inaugural season will
pave the way for future editions, helping to strengthen wrestling, discover new talent and provide athletes with greater opportunities to compete at a higher level.
Qosh Tepa’s championship victory closes a memorable first season that established a new chapter for Afghan wrestling and set a strong foundation for the continued growth of the league in the years ahead.
Sport
Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League crowns inaugural champion in tonight’s grand final
Fans can watch all the excitement live from 6:00 p.m. Kabul time on Ariana Television, as well as via the Ariana Sport and Ariana News Facebook pages.
The inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League reaches its thrilling conclusion on Thursday evening, with the championship title set to be decided in what promises to be an action-packed grand final in Kabul.
After more than a week of intense competition featuring some of Afghanistan’s top wrestlers, the league has showcased skill, strength and determination, drawing strong support from fans across the country.
The final is expected to deliver another night of high-quality wrestling as the remaining contenders battle for the inaugural Premier League crown in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The tournament has played a significant role in promoting wrestling in Afghanistan, providing a professional platform for local athletes to compete at the highest level while inspiring a new generation of wrestlers.
Fans can watch all the excitement live from 6:00 p.m. Kabul time on Ariana Television, as well as via the Ariana Sport and Ariana News Facebook pages.
With the first-ever Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League champion about to be crowned, organisers are expecting a memorable finale to a successful debut season.
Sport
Afghanistan futsal team heads to Thailand for Continental Championship
The Afghanistan national futsal team has departed for Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship.
According to the Afghanistan Football Federation, the tournament will be held from August 1–6 and will feature Afghanistan, Thailand, Russia, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
Afghanistan will kick off its campaign against host nation Thailand on August 2.
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