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Race for top ODI team ranking hots up ahead of World Cup

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Now that Asia Cup has wrapped up, the race to be the No.1 ranked ODI side at the start of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will intensify over the next few days as two of the top three teams go head to head in a bilateral series.

Pakistan held onto the No.1 spot at the end of Asia Cup 2023 despite their early exit and India's thumping win over Sri Lanka in the final. Australia also squandered their chance to go on top of the rankings after their series loss to South Africa.

The Aussies were 2-0 ahead in the series before the hosts launched an impressive comeback and won three back-to-back games to complete a series victory on Sunday.

India’s loss to Bangladesh ahead of the final hurt their chances of going to the top of the rankings and even a record-breaking win, sealed in just over six overs, against Sri Lanka did not see them climb to the top.

Looking at the fixtures each side will play ahead of the start of the World Cup on October 5.

Australia
Current ranking: Third
Current rating: 113
Upcoming fixtures: India (September 22, September 24, September 27)

Australia are no longer in the box seat to be the No.1 ranked side at the start of the World Cup after the series loss to South Africa. They will need to whitewash India in the series to go into the World Cup as the No.1 ranked team.

However, if Australia start the series with two wins, they will go on top of the rankings until the final ODI at least.

Australia's three-match series in India at the end of this month will then have a major say in who has the top ranking at the start of the World Cup.

India
Current ranking: Second
Current rating: 115 (114.659)
Upcoming fixtures: Australia (September 22, September 24, September 27)

India are in prime position to go to the top of the rankings if they can register a series win over Australia at home in the series starting on September 22. In fact, a win in the first ODI will see India upstage Pakistan to become the No.1 ranked team across all three formats of the game.

Rohit Sharma's side are coming off a spectacular Asia Cup win and they could reach the No.1 position as early as Friday next week by defeating Australia in the first ODI in Mohali.

In a similar vein to Australia, India's upcoming three-match series against Pat Cummins' side may prove pivotal in deciding which team heads into the World Cup with the No.1 ranking.

If India avoid a whitewash but still lose the series to Australia, Pakistan will remain the top-ranked side for the World Cup. Conversely, a 3-0 loss to Australia will see India slip to third position and Australia go on top.

Pakistan
Current ranking: First
Current rating: 115 (114.889)
Upcoming fixtures: No matches prior to World Cup

Pakistan's chances of obtaining the No.1 ranking at the start of the World Cup took a massive dent when they lost their final Super Four match at the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka.

With no official ODI matches scheduled for Pakistan prior to the start of the World Cup, their hopes of entering the tournament with the No.1 ranking will depend on how the India-Australia series goes.

They could still regain the top ranking if Australia and India continue to lose, but the fact these two teams are scheduled to play each other at the end of the month means one of them would then re-claim the premier position.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan meanwhile will go into the World Cup ranked at No. 9.

The team was left disappointed after Sri Lanka’s two-run victory in the Asia Cup - which propelled Sri Lanka to the Super 4 stage - as it spelled the end of their tournament.

But close on the heels of this defeat, the team’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup was announced and one key change to the team is Naveen-ul-Haq who has been recalled after a long break.

Fast bowler Naveen last played an ODI in January 2021.
Now though, he will form a part of their pace attack along with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman and allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai.

Omarzai, who suffered a side strain during Afghanistan's ODI series against Pakistan in August, is back in the team after missing the Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan meanwhile will spearhead a strong spin attack that comprises Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah form their top order, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi set to slot in at No. 4. Najibullah Zadran will also shore up the middle order.

Allrounders Gulbadin Naib and Sharafuddin Ashraf, who were part of Afghanistan's Asia Cup squad, have been named as reserves, along with Fareed Ahmad who was part of the series against Pakistan.

Karim Janat and Mohammad Saleem are the two players from the Asia Cup who have been dropped altogether from Afghanistan's World Cup squad.

Afghanistan will begin their World Cup campaign on October 7 against Bangladesh in Dharamsala. They have two warm-up fixtures before that, against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29 and then against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on October 3.

Tune in to watch ICC Men’s World Cup 2023

While Asia Cup has wrapped up, fans can now prepare for the next thrilling tournament – the 2023 ODI World Cup. And as cricket fever continues to rise, fans across Afghanistan can rest assured that this thrilling sporting fiesta will also be broadcast live by Ariana Television Network (ATN).

The World Cup clashes will be broadcast live for the duration of the tournament, allowing fans to catch all the action.

Remember, the tournament is scheduled to take place in India from October 5, 2023 to November 19, 2023, culminating in the final match at the famous Narendra Modi Stadium.

ATN will publish all schedules and broadcasting times ahead of the matches and keep fans posted on new developments. So be sure to watch out for updates on our website and social media platforms.

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Dubai Capitals clinch maiden title at ILT20

Dubai Capitals took home the cash prize of $700,000 while the Desert Vipers were awarded $300,000

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ILT20 Dubai final

In a dramatic climax to DP World ILT20 Season 3, the Dubai Capitals overcame last season’s heartbreak to claim their maiden title with a four-wicket win over the Desert Vipers in Sunday’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Dubai Capitals took home the cash prize of $700,000 while the Desert Vipers were awarded $300,000.

Chasing 189, Sikandar Raza provided the decisive late surge with a blistering 12-ball 34, sealing victory in the final over. 

Earlier, Rovman Powell’s 63 and Shai Hope’s composed 43 laid the foundation for the Capitals’ triumphant chase.

For the Vipers, Max Holden’s innings of 76 runs weathered the loss of early wickets before Sam Curran took control of proceedings with an unbeaten half century, studded with five fours and three sixes. 

Azam Khan also stepped up on the occasion with a boundary laden cameo of 27 runs in the death overs.

Player of the Match, Rovman Powell said after the match: “Credit to the guys in the dressing room, the message was to just stay calm. 

“The competition has been silent for me, but today in the final I wanted to prove myself. In the final, big players stand up. I’m disappointed to get out but glad we got through.”

Desert Vipers’ Sam Curran, who secured the Red Belt as the Most Valuable Player said: “It was an amazing game and a small accolade (Red Belt), it is tough to take it when you lose. It is one of the most enjoyable teams I have been in my career. A thoroughly professional setup and hopefully one better next year. 

“I knew lots of coaching staff and players, taking on those roles and being adaptable with the ball. The Capitals have had a few wins over us in the group stage. I thought we had a really good score on the board, but I was extremely proud of the team and the coaching staff. “

Belt Winners

Adding to the excitement of a grand final and a new champion, the DP World ILT20’s signature awards that recognise outstanding individual performances saw Shai Hope walk away with the Green Belt (best batter), finishing the competition with 529 runs. 

MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the White Belt (best bowler) for his 21 wickets in 11 innings.

Sam Curran who finished the tournament with 387 runs in 12 innings and seven wickets, received the Red Belt as the most valuable player of the season, while MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem bagged the Blue Belt awarded to the best UAE players for a third consecutive season.

 

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Dubai Capitals take on Desert Vipers in epic DP World ILT20 Final

Desert Vipers will face Dubai Capitals in the DP World ILT20 Season 3 final today, Sunday February 9

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ILT20 final

A new name will be etched into DP World ILT20 history as the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers clash for the Season 3 title at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

After weeks of exhilarating cricket and a prize pool exceeding $1 million on the line, the tournament now reaches its grand conclusion and for fans in Afghanistan, the match will be broadcast live on Ariana Television across the country.

Dubai Capitals enter the match with a formidable record, having secured five consecutive victories against the Desert Vipers in their past meetings.

However, the Vipers have been the team to watch this season, locking in their playoff spot ahead of time with a commanding campaign that saw them win their first four matches on the trot.

Despite a late-season stutter, including a loss to the Capitals in Qualifier 1, the Vipers bounced back with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against the Sharjah Warriorz on Friday to secure their place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the blockbuster final, Desert Vipers captain, Lockie Ferguson, who will miss out on the final due to an injury, said: “From day one we have all enjoyed being a part of the squad, and the family we have created has translated on the field.

“The Dubai Capitals are an exceptional team, and I think the top two teams in the competition have made it to the final.”

“We had a fantastic game against the Capitals in Qualifier 1 but tomorrow is a final and we both start on zero. Exciting time for players to step up for their teams. Both teams line up differently, we have different skill sets.

“There’s always pressure in a final, it’s a big opportunity and pressure comes with opportunity. It’s been a long build up, but the boys are ready for tomorrow”, he added.

Echoing these sentiments, Dubai Capitals captain, Sam Billings said: “Confidence is high as we have had a good run. Different people have stepped up for us throughout the competition including star performances from Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib so we are looking forward to tomorrow.

“The atmosphere last year was phenomenal at the final, as the love for cricket is very strong in the region and hopefully tomorrow both teams can put on a great show.”

For the Vipers, Alex Hales has led the charge with the bat, amassing three half-centuries for 400 runs in 12 matches. Hales has been buttressed by Sam Curran who has 325 runs to his name in 12 innings at an average of 46.42.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Amir and Lockie Ferguson have also been integral to the Vipers’ campaign, but the Vipers will play the final without Hasaranga or Ferguson.

Hasaranga had been amongst the shrewdest bowlers this season, picking up 12 wickets at a staggering economy rate of 5.88. Amir has claimed 12 wickets as well, while Lockie Ferguson has picked up 11 wickets.

Last season's runners-up, the Dubai Capitals, started the season slowly but have since ignited a fierce charge toward their maiden title.

After breaking out of a three-loss slump, the Capitals have won five out of their last six matches, including three consecutive victories en-route to the final.

Naib has been the star of their campaign, contributing 376 runs and 11 wickets, making him the tournament's premier all-rounder.

Notably, he has scored three half-centuries in his last three encounters against the Vipers.

Speaking on Naib’s contribution to the team, Billings said: “He has been fantastic. He has been great on the field too as he is a three-dimensional cricketer. He’s taking his opportunities out there and hopefully tomorrow he can put on a show for the fans.”

Shai Hope is a prime contender for the Green Belt (most runs) with 484 runs in 11 innings with an average of 60.50, just nine runs behind MI Emirates’ Tom Banton, who currently leads the race. Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has led the bowling attack with 13 wickets in nine matches.

The DP World ILT20 boasts a total prize pool of over $1 million, with the champions earning $700,000 and the runners-up securing $300,000.
Outstanding individual performances will be recognized through the tournament’s signature belts: the Green Belt for the highest run-scorer, the White Belt for the leading wicket-taker, the Red Belt for the most valuable player, and the Blue Belt for the best UAE player.

Each belt winner will receive a cash prize of $15,000.

Ariana Television will broadcast a pre-match show from 5.30pm Kabul time. The final will get underway from 6.30pm.

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Islamuddin Amiri announces retirement from football

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Islamuddin Amiri, former captain of Afghanistan’s national football team, has announced that he will no longer participate in professional games.

“With much sadness but without regret, I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands. I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the football,” Amiri said on Facebook.

He added that his focus now is to become a “great coach.”

Amiri has mainly played as a defender on the football field and has 20 years of experience.

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