Sport
Afghanistan target T20I clean sweep against Zimbabwe in Sharjah
Afghanistan will now be aiming for a third successive victory to finish the series on a high, while Zimbabwe will be hoping to avoid a whitewash and claim a consolation win.
Afghanistan will look to complete a clean sweep of their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe when the teams meet in the third and final match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 1.
The AfghanAtalan have already secured the series with two consecutive victories, winning the opening match by 37 runs on October 27 before following up with a 19-run triumph in the second encounter on October 29.
Afghanistan will now be aiming for a third successive victory to finish the series on a high, while Zimbabwe will be hoping to avoid a whitewash and claim a consolation win.
The opening match saw Afghanistan post 177 all out, with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai leading the batting effort with 52 runs from 22 deliveries. Rashid Khan contributed a quick-fire 30 off 10 balls before Afghanistan’s bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 140.
The second encounter produced a remarkable batting display from Afghanistan after the team found itself in serious trouble at 5/4 early in its innings.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai rescued the innings with a spectacular 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Omarzai smashed 116 off just 50 deliveries, including 12 sixes and five boundaries, while Ijaz added 52 off 27 balls.
Rashid Khan provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 25 from just six deliveries as Afghanistan posted an imposing 221/7.
Zimbabwe responded strongly, with captain Sikandar Raza producing an outstanding unbeaten 106 off 56 balls. However, his effort was not enough to prevent Afghanistan from securing a 19-run victory, with Zimbabwe finishing on 202/5.
Omarzai was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings and contribution with the ball.
The second match also saw Rashid Khan reach a historic milestone, becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20 International cricket.
For Afghanistan, the final match offers another opportunity to build momentum ahead of the two-Test series against Zimbabwe, which begins in Sharjah on November 5.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking for a stronger all-round performance after showing glimpses of its batting potential, particularly through Raza’s century in the second match.
The third T20I gets underway at 6:30 p.m. local time at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Afghanistan won the 2026 Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in the final on Sunday.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia scored 115 runs in their six overs, with Max Bryant leading the innings with 44 runs.
Afghanistan chased down the target in 5.1 overs, finishing the match with five balls to spare. Imran Mir starred with the bat, scoring 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes, while Farmanullah contributed 26 runs.
Twelve teams competed in the tournament. Afghanistan reached the final after securing victories over South Africa, Oman and Scotland before overcoming Australia in the title decider to lift the trophy.
Afghanistan finished their campaign at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival with a penalty shootout victory over hosts Azerbaijan, securing 83rd place among 189 participating nations.
The Afghan side drew 3-3 with Azerbaijan in the 83rd-place play-off in Baku on Friday before winning 3-2 on penalties to end the tournament on a winning note.
Afghanistan recorded six victories during the competition, defeating Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Sudan, Namibia, India and Azerbaijan. They also suffered four defeats against Turkey, Russia, Thailand and Hungary.
The inaugural 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival featured 189 nations, with Spain crowned champions after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final on October 30.
Arman FC suffered a 2–0 defeat against Aino Mina Kandahar in the 66th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Saturday.
The match was held at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with both teams looking to secure a positive result.
The first half ended goalless, as neither side managed to convert its scoring opportunities.
Aino Mina took the lead shortly after the break when Ahmad Nabi Muqaddas found the net in the 47th minute. The forward scored again in the 75th minute, doubling his team’s advantage and putting Aino Mina in a strong position.
Arman FC attempted to get back into the match following the two goals, but were unable to find the net before the final whistle. The match ended with a 2–0 victory for Aino Mina Kandahar.
Arman FC will play its next match against Sarsabz Yashlar on November 3, while Aino Mina Kandahar will face Toofan Herat on November 5.
The sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan is being broadcast live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).
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