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‘I can sleep better now’, says Rashid Khan after Afghanistan’s win over Australia

“It’s a great achievement. And they were the winners of 2021 World Cup. So, beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well,” Rashid said.

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Shortly after Afghanistan’s thrilling win against Australia in their T20 World Cup match, captain Rashid Khan compared Sunday’s game to the one against the same team seven months ago during the ODI World Cup in India.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Rashid compared the contrasting moods of the two games and how the defeat in Mumbai had shaken him up.

“I think I can sleep better now. But that [Mumbai] was a night which didn’t let me sleep,” said Rashid.

The team had come very close to a similar result last year but a freak knock of the highest order from Glenn Maxwell denied them a win at the time.

This time around, it was a very different story and Rashid’s men held their nerve to thump Australia.

“The game [in India] kept coming into my mind. It was 90 plus percent we were in the game and Maxi, the way he played that night, took the game away from us. I didn’t sleep the whole night and I feel like tonight because of the happiness I won’t be able to sleep. That’s how happy the whole team and the whole country.

“And it’s a massive win for us as a team, as a nation. It’s not just like a bilateral game. It’s a World Cup game, and definitely in a World Cup, you’re beating the best side.

“It’s a great achievement. And they were the winners of 2021 World Cup. So, beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well,” he said.

With a challenging target of 149 on a dry spinning surface, Australia were up against it from the moment they lost Travis Head in the first over of the chase.

They needed a fast start to ensure that they didn’t need to take too many risks off Afghanistan’s potent spin attack but that wasn’t to be.

However, Maxwell appeared to bat on a different surface as his unconventional methods disrupted the bowlers even as wickets fell around him.

Cricbuzz reports that the difference between the Wankhede defeat and this game was the way in which Afghanistan’s bowlers managed to hold their composure when under pressure and Rashid credited bowling coach Dwayne Bravo, who was constantly seen at the boundary rope, chatting to the Afghanistan players.

“Well, I think we as a team, we have the kind of batters, the bowlers where they always need that reminder,” Rashid said.

“Sometimes they forget the things what we discuss in the meeting. [When the] coach is here and he’s looking at me, he knows as well, especially in the batting department. Whenever we forget some things we discuss in the meeting, coach is there, head coach, he keeps reminding them. And that’s something which for a side like this, you need to have those people who remind the things to you.

“And same with DJ (Bravo); the bowlers sometimes in the heat of the moment of the game, they forget the things what we planned for specific batsman and DJ is always there to remind them what we had planned and what we are doing.

“So that’s the kind of discussion we always have and I feel there are some players who need reminders, some players they have things in their mind and experience. So, our side, once they are well guided, I think they know where to go and how to deliver,” Rashid said.

Afghanistan also didn’t shy away from getting on Australia’s nerves on the field, with wicket-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz giving a heavy dosage of comments to Marcus Stoinis. Rashid felt that such characters were crucial for a team to maintain a high level of intensity, especially during testing times.

“Well, some guys in the team, they need that kind of fire. Once they keep silent, they forget how good they are and they need the kind of fire up in the middle. And to be honest, in this game, most happiest thing I have seen was the running between the wickets between Ibrahim and Gurbaz. And it all came from those sledging, I feel.

“They had that kind of conversation. While watching from outside, I felt like they had the competition with the fielders. I’m going to take two runs, I’m going to take one run and things like that. So, what happened with that is it kept them involved in the game, and they focused on scoring runs,” Rashid said.

“I think the advantage went to us because we had that perfect 100 run partnership. On a wicket like this, I think it’s always a wicket of 130-140. If you have a good bowling lineup, we have seen a few games before as well.

“So yeah, I think we should keep him [Gurbaz] the same in upcoming games as well… where he gets his own energy but we don’t want him to keep quiet. That’s something some players do need – that fire-up.”

Sunday’s win meanwhile comes after Cricket Australia repeatedly backed out of bilateral cricket with Afghanistan on the grounds of their opposition not having a women’s team.

Rashid alongside Mohammad Nabi had often spoken up about the cancellation of these bilateral series, voicing their strong disapproval over Australia’s stand on the issue, Cricbuzz reported.

However, in his post-match speech Sunday, Rashid chose to play down the sentiment of “revenge”. “Well, we are sportsmen and we love sports. People back home, they love sports.”

Refusing to get drawn in on politics, he went on to say “I don’t know much about these things and I don’t like it as well … my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone.”

Afghanistan will face Bangladesh on Tuesday in the last of their Super 8 matches.

Related stories: 

Afghanistan pulls off stunning upset against Australia in T20 World Cup match

Afghanistan shock New Zealand by 84 runs for first win in history

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Myanmar trump Afghanistan 2-1 in Asian Cup Qualifier

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March 26, 2026

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The Afghanistan national football team lost 2–1 to Myanmar in the Asian Cup qualifiers in Yangon on Thursday afternoon.

The only goal for Afghanistan was scored by Omid Popalzay.

Afghanistan’s national team is scheduled to play its final match of the competition on March 31 against Syria in Saudi Arabia.

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Afghanistan to face Myanmar in crucial AFC clash

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

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March 26, 2026

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Afghanistan national football team take on Myanmar national football team today, Thursday March 26, in a key AFC competition match, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm local time.

The match, set to be broadcast exclusively on Ariana Television in Afghanistan, is seen as an important test for Afghanistan as they look to build momentum and strengthen their standing in regional competition.

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

The team will be hoping to deliver a strong performance in front of fans watching across the country, with particular emphasis on defensive organization and quick transitions in attack.

Myanmar, meanwhile, arrive determined to challenge their opponents and secure valuable points. Known for their pace and structured play, they are expected to provide a competitive contest and test Afghanistan’s resilience throughout the match.

Today’s encounter is more than just a fixture—it represents an opportunity for both sides to assert themselves on the continental stage. For Afghanistan, a positive result would not only boost confidence but also reinforce their ambitions in AFC competition.

With anticipation building, all eyes will be on the pitch as the two sides battle for supremacy in what promises to be an engaging and closely fought contest.

Today’s match between Afghanistan national football team and Myanmar national football team is part of the qualification campaign for the AFC Asian Cup, one of Asia’s premier international football competitions.

Crucial opportunities

The fixture plays a key role in determining which teams advance to the next stage of the qualifiers and ultimately secure a place in the final tournament. For emerging football nations like Afghanistan and Myanmar, these matches are crucial opportunities to compete at a higher level and gain continental recognition.

Afghanistan are aiming to strengthen their position in the group standings, with every point vital in a tightly contested qualification race. A win today would significantly boost their chances of progressing, while also improving their FIFA ranking and regional standing.

For Myanmar, the match carries similar importance, as they look to stay competitive in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive.

With so much riding on the outcome, today’s encounter is not just another game—it is a pivotal step on the road to the AFC Asian Cup.

Fans can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television from 2.30pm for the preview show. Kickoff is expected to take place at 3pm.

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IPL 2026: RCB sold for $1.78 billion in landmark deal

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3 days ago

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March 25, 2026

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In one of the biggest franchise deals in cricket history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been sold for approximately $1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore) to a powerful consortium of Indian and global investors.

The all-cash deal was confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), the current owner of the franchise and a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo.

The sale follows a “strategic review” by Diageo, which had identified cricket as a non-core business and aimed to complete the transaction by the end of March 2026.

New ownership structure

The consortium acquiring RCB includes the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s private equity arm. Under the agreement, both the men’s and women’s teams—previously operated by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited—will now be fully owned and managed by the new group.

Former cricketer Aryaman Birla is set to serve as chairman, with Satyan Gajwani appointed as vice-chairman.

Record-breaking valuation

The $1.78 billion price tag highlights the surging commercial value of franchise cricket. The figure surpasses the combined valuation of the Lucknow and Ahmedabad IPL franchises sold in 2021 and marks a dramatic rise from RCB’s original purchase price of $111.6 million in 2008.

The franchise’s growth has been fueled by consistent on-field success and a massive global fanbase. Led by star player Virat Kohli, RCB’s men’s team secured its first-ever IPL title in 2025, while the women’s side, captained by Smriti Mandhana, are also reigning champions in the Women’s Premier League.

Strategic vision and global backing

The new ownership brings together a diverse mix of business and sporting expertise. Bolt Ventures is linked to prominent investor David Blitzer, who holds stakes in multiple global sports teams across leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and Premier League. Meanwhile, Blackstone—one of the world’s largest asset managers—adds significant financial muscle to the consortium.

In a joint statement, the new owners described RCB as “one of the most iconic franchises in world sport,” citing its championship-winning culture, deep connection to Bengaluru, and passionate fanbase.

“We are committed to taking RCB to new heights, both on and off the field,” the consortium said.

What happens next

The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India before it is formally completed.

Industry analysts say the sale signals a new era for franchise cricket, with increasing global investment and cross-sport ownership models reshaping the business of the game. With fresh capital and international expertise, RCB is expected to expand its brand, talent pipeline, and commercial footprint in the coming years.

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