Sport
ILT20’s final phase sees change around in a number of players
Desert Vipers have moved to offset the loss of a trio of Pakistan internationals, who are heading for the PSL ahead of the last leg of the ILT20, by signing England stars Sam Curran and Phil Salt who are expected to help the side’s push for a play-off place.
The last few days have however seen numerous changes, as some players depart for international duty and other leagues, while others arrive from the SA20.
Kieron Pollard has joined the ranks of league-leading MI Emirates after arriving from South Africa.
Pollard, Salt and Curran have meanwhile been brought in to the ILT20 to cover the departure of four leading players. Shaheen Afridi, Azam Khan and Shadab Khan who have returned to Pakistan to prepare for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Wanindu Hasaranga has also returned to Sri Lanka for international duty.
Speaking of Curran and Salt’s arrival, Vipers’ coach Tom Moody said: “Both players are proven international performers with exceptional Twenty20 records and they will add an extra dimension to our team.
“I know Sam extremely well having worked with him for the Oval Invincibles at The Hundred and I know the quality he offers with bat, ball and in the field.
“He loves to be involved in big games at important times and that is the sort of attitude we want from our players.
“Phil has developed into one of the most exciting players in world cricket at the top of the order, as he showed in the Caribbean with England in December, and he is also an excellent wicketkeeper and so provides us with options in that regard,” Moody said.
Wednesday’s match
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders ABD lock horns with Sharjah Warriors at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, February 7, in match 25 of the ILT20.
Knight Riders lost three out of their first five games. However, they are now on a three-match winning streak and are one victory away from booking their place in the playoffs. They have 10 points from eight games so far.
Meanwhile, Sharjah Warriors are hanging by a thread in the competition as they still have a mathematical chance of progressing to the playoffs. They have lost five out of their eight games thus far. Their disappointing net run-rate of -2.019 is a huge reason for concern. The Warriors are on a three-match losing streak and will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
To watch the upcoming match stay tuned to Ariana Television and don’t forget to follow our updates on social media.
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
Sport
2nd ODI: India crush Afghanistan by 170 runs to seal series lead
The Indian national cricket team registered a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second One Day International, delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, India piled up 402 all out in 49.5 overs, setting a daunting 403-run target for Afghanistan.
In reply, Afghanistan were never able to settle into the chase and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs, falling well short of the required total.
India’s innings was powered by a sensational top-order display. Shubman Gill led the charge with a brilliant 154 off 110 balls, striking 22 fours and 2 sixes, while Ishan Kishan lit up the innings with a rapid 125 off 79 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and 7 sixes. The duo laid the foundation for a massive total.
Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw some resistance from Rashid Khan, who picked up 3 wickets, but lacked support from the other end.
Set under pressure from the outset, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships and was unable to sustain the required run rate against disciplined Indian bowling.
The match was played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where India’s dominant performance secured a comfortable win and momentum in the series.
Afghanistan had also lost the opening ODI by 7 wickets, giving India a strong 2–0 position in the series.
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