Sport
Afghanistan face Ireland with series win in sight
Afghanistan will look to extend their dominance over Ireland when the two sides meet in the fourth ODI of their five-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, in Belfast today.
Afghanistan lead the series 2-0 and have already secured an automatic place at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup after their three-wicket victory over Ireland in the third ODI.
The opening match of the series was abandoned because of rain, but Afghanistan have since won two consecutive matches.
They beat Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI before chasing down 207 in the third match, with Rashid Khan and Yamin Ahmadzai guiding the visitors home with an unbeaten partnership.
Rashid has been central to Afghanistan’s success. He produced a six-wicket haul in the second ODI and followed it with an all-round performance in the third, taking three wickets and scoring a crucial 37 not out. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also made a valuable 71 in the third match.
Ireland, meanwhile, will be determined to halt Afghanistan’s momentum.
Their batting has struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling attack, particularly the spin threat posed by Rashid and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. The hosts will need a stronger start from their top order and more substantial partnerships if they are to challenge the visitors.
With Afghanistan already assured of the series, the fourth ODI gives Ireland an opportunity to restore some pride and keep their hopes of finishing the series strongly alive. Afghanistan, however, will be aiming for another convincing performance and a 3-0 series advantage.
The match begins at 10:45am local time in Belfast, which is 2:15pm Kabul time. It will be played over 50 overs at Stormont.
Afghanistan will enter the contest with confidence after a run of strong results, while Ireland face the challenge of finding a way through an attack that has repeatedly exposed their batting weaknesses.
Sport
Zadran calls on Afghan fans to rally behind team against India
Although the matches are being played in India, Afghanistan are the designated hosts for the series.
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran has called on Afghan fans in India to come out in force and support the national team as it begins its three-match T20I series against India today, Sunday September 13.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the opening match in New Delhi, Zadran said the presence and encouragement of Afghan supporters could provide the team with an important boost.
“All those fans and Afghans who are located in India, if they could come and encourage their team, we will be so pleased,” Zadran said.
“We all wish that our countrymen come to the matches and encourage us because we get lots of energy from their encouragement.”
The series begins today, September 13, with the second T20I scheduled for September 15 and the third on September 17. All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Although the matches are being played in India, Afghanistan are the designated hosts for the series.
Zadran said Afghanistan’s players are also well prepared for the challenge after gaining valuable experience in domestic and international leagues.
“The boys are well prepared. They were all busy in leagues and playing in different parts of the world,” he said.
The captain believes T20 cricket is particularly suited to Afghanistan’s players because of their extensive experience in the format.
“Our boys are talented in this format. I can say this is our best format because the boys are playing in different leagues and have good experience,” he said.
Afghanistan have yet to beat India in a bilateral T20I series, but Zadran said his team would focus on its own strengths rather than being overwhelmed by the challenge.
“So far, we have not won (a series) against India. We will try to make it easy for us and not difficult and focus on what is our ability and what we have in our hands,” he said.
“I am sure we will perform a good match for our countrymen.”
The three-match series runs from September 13 to 17, with Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) broadcasting all three matches live and exclusively across Afghanistan.
Afghanistan vs India — T20I Series
1st T20I: September 13
2nd T20I: September 15
3rd T20I: September 17
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Host: Afghanistan
Live: ATN across Afghanistan
Sorkh Poshan Khafi secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Aino Mina in the fourth match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Saturday.
Yar Mohammad Zekrkhail opened the scoring for Sorkh Poshan Khafi, before the side added two more goals to complete a comfortable win.
In the fifth match of the competition, Ariana Khost came from a 1–1 half-time scoreline to beat Arman FC 3–1.
Macdonald Ngwa Niba, an Arman FC player, opened the scoring against Ariana Khost with the team’s only goal.
Ariana Khost’s goals were scored by Jawad Alkozay, Arash Ahmadi, and Habibullah Hotak.
Ariana Khost found the net twice in the second half to seal all three points and secure a strong victory.
The sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan continues on Monday with two more fixtures:
Abu Muslim Farah vs Isteqlal Kabul | 3:30 PM
Omar Zawak vs Sarsabz Yashlar | 7:00 PM
Ariana Television will broadcast both matches live and exclusively, bringing the action directly to football fans across Afghanistan.
Omar Zawak and Toofan Herat secured victories in the second and third matches of the sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Friday.
Omar Zawak opened the day’s results with a 2–0 victory over Khurasan Faryab. Shadab Malekzada and Bilal Akbari scored for Omar Zawak to seal all three points.
In the third match, Toofan Herat produced a 3–1 win over Esteqlal Kabul. Merajuddin Kalantari scored Esteqlal’s lone goal, while Fraidoon Seyedi and Enayatullah Kohi were on target for Toofan. Kohi scored twice to complete the victory.
Two more matches set for Saturday
The competition continues on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with two more fixtures scheduled:
- Sorkh Poshan Khafi vs. Aino Mina — 3:30 p.m.
- Arman FC vs. Ariana Khost — 7:00 p.m.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast both matches live and exclusively, allowing football fans across Afghanistan to follow the action as it unfolds.
The sixth season of the Roshana Afghanistan Champions League continues as teams compete for crucial points and a stronger position in the tournament standings.
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