Sport
MI Emirates storm into play-offs with 30-run triumph over Desert Vipers
MI Emirates continued to reign supreme in the DP World ILT20 Season 2, registering a resounding 30-run victory against the Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The team is now the first to secure the berth in this year’s play-offs.
Completing their sixth victory in eight matches, the MI Emirates asserted themselves with a first innings score of 188/5 buoyed by an elegant knock of 65 runs from Kusal Perera and a late innings assault from Nicholas Pooran (39).
Ambati Rayudu also produced impeccable value for this team with a hard-fought stint that earned 44 runs.
The Desert Vipers run-chase never found momentum, encumbered by the clinical bowling of the MI Emirates, they lost wickets at frequent intervals, including five in the powerplay.
Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the Emirates’ bowling attack with impressive figures of 4/31. His four overs scripted the dismissals of Colin Munro, Adam Hose, Azam Khan and Luke Wood to limit the Desert Vipers to 158/8 in 20 overs
Invited to bat first, MI Emirates began with a lucrative powerplay despite the loss of two wickets. Kusal Perera made his intent crystal clear, scoring 31 off just 18 deliveries in the first six overs.
When Ambati Rayudu joined Kusal Perera, the duo constructed a formidable stand of 75 runs. Serving as the aggressor in the partnership Perera brought up his half century in just 31 deliveries.
In the 16th over, Perera was caught at deep mid-wicket off Wanindu Hasaranga’s delivery. The same over saw Nicholas Pooran stamp his authority from the very first ball, striking Hasaranga for two consecutive sixes to begin his innings.
Meanwhile Rayudu endeavored to break the shackles, but the big hits eluded him. He departed for 44 runs at the hands of Mohd. Amir in the 18th over.
Luke Wood, tasked with bowling the 19th over was bested by Nicholas Pooran, who hammered two sixes and two fours to complete a 22-run over.
Pooran’s exploits were finally halted when a lethal yorker from Matheesha Pathirana broke his middle stump in the final over the innings that only conceded 3 runs.
The MI Emirates, however, managed a strong finish to conclude the innings at 188/5 in 20 overs.
Following the match, the MI Emirates’ top scorer of the day, Kusal Perera said: “I think we got a very good score on the board. We are always looking to make the most of the powerplay.
“I think Rayudu and I did well to set up the foundation and bat till the 15th over, but we did very well in the death over to put up a big score, thanks to Nicholas Pooran.”
Speaking on the crowd support he further added:: “It’s always great to see so much support for our team and it motivates the players as well. Hope to see the same things for the remaining games.”
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.
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.
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.
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
6.1-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, epicenter in Badakhshan
Delawar says Afghanistan has achieved security and unity after 47 years
EU announces major funding to support Afghan small businesses
Afghan women’s situation highlighted at SCO Forum amid ongoing global debate
Norway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
TAPI project advances in Afghanistan as 84kms of pipeline laid
Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asia records sharp growth
Afghanistan to play in Diamond Jubilee Tournament opener against Maldives
Gaikwad set to replace injured Kohli for Afghanistan ODI Series
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
Exclusive interview with Polleak Ok Serei, UNODC Representative for Afghanistan
Tahawol: Germany’s defense of engagement with IEA discussed
Saar: Rejection of security threats from Afghan soil discussed
Tahawol: Efforts to eliminate drugs across Afghanistan discussed
-
International Sports4 days agoKnockout picture begins to take shape at FIFA World Cup 2026
-
Latest News5 days agoContract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway
-
Latest News2 days agoTAPI project sees rapid progress in Afghanistan
-
Business5 days agoKazakhstan signs $18.8 million zinc ore supply agreement with Afghan company
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan’s SCO participation blocked over one member’s objection, Kabulov says
-
Latest News5 days agoQatar embassy holds roundtable on Afghanistan’s relations with international community
-
International Sports5 days agoMessi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage
-
Latest News4 days agoEU allocates 20 million euros to support returnees in Afghanistan