Sport

Sri Lanka win Cricket World Cup qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe

Published

3 years ago

July 9, 2023

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana took 4-31 as Sri Lanka claimed victory over Netherlands by 128 runs in the final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifier tournament at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

Both teams had already qualified for the main event that will be held in India from October 5 to November 19, but Sri Lanka will leave Zimbabwe with the trophy, having won all eight matches they played in the tournament.

Having been sent in to bat after the Netherlands won the toss, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 233 in 47.5 overs as Sahan Arachchige top scored with 57 off 71 balls, Reuters reported.

Wicketkeeper batsman Kusal Mendis chipped in with a quick-fire 43 off 52 balls before falling LBW to Saqib Zulfiqar, while Charith Asalanka made 36 off 36 balls before he was run out.

Logan van Beek took two wickets for 40 runs off his 10 overs, while Ryan Klein, Vikramjit Singh and Zulfiqar also picked up two wickets apiece.

Netherlands were in trouble from the start of their reply and, after slipping to 49-6, were dismissed for 105 in 23.3 overs.

Openers Singh (13) and Max O’Dowd (33) put on 25 for the first wicket but Wesley Barresi and Teja Nidamanuru fell for ducks and the only other Netherlands batsman to reach double figures was Van Beek, who scored 20 off 24 balls.

Theekshana was the chief wicket-taker but seamer Dilshan Madushanka also pitched in with 3-18 and Wanindu Hasaranga took 2-35 off his seven overs.

“First goal was to qualify and we did it. Second was winning the tournament and we have fortunately done that as well. We can go home happy,” Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood told reporters.

“The confidence that we have shown in this tournament, we can take it into the World Cup.”

The UAE’s hopes of playing at the Cricket World Cup were dashed after defeat to Scotland in Zimbabwe last month ended their chances of qualifying.

Successive losses in their opening two games at the Qualifier in Bulawayo against Sri Lanka and Oman meant they needed to beat Scotland to stand a chance of advancing. But they were beaten by 111 runs by the Scots at Bulawayo Athletic Club to end their qualification dream.

The national team were then crushed by Ireland as they suffered a 138-run defeat in their final qualifier in Bulawayo.

Related Topics:#SriLanka #WorldCup ArianaNews Cricket featured Zimbabwe

Up Next

Liton, Shoriful help Bangladesh avoid Afghanistan whitewash

Don't Miss

Gurbaz, Zadran tons power Afghanistan to 142-run win over Bangladesh

Sport

Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2026

Ariana News

Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.

Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.

Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.

Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.

More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sport

Afghan cricket delegation travels to China for technical cooperation

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2026

Ariana News

A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.

The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.

Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.

Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.

During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.

Sport

Los Angeles to welcome the world with historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opening event

Published

3 days ago

May 9, 2026

Ariana News

The United States is set to welcome the world with a major opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Los Angeles prepares to host a star-powered celebration marking the start of the tournament across North America.

FIFA announced that global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.

The event will officially launch what FIFA described as a “historic summer of football” across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organizers said the ceremony will combine football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.

Gianni Infantino said the ceremony in Los Angeles would showcase the scale and ambition of the 2026 World Cup, adding that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the power of music to unite people.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will take place across the three host nations. Mexico City will host the first ceremony on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.

The opening match in the United States will see the U.S. national team face Paraguay. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow all the action live on the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country. ATN will broadcast matches live on Ariana Television, providing full coverage of the world’s biggest football event for Afghan viewers.

Fans are also encouraged to stay connected with Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, including match schedules, team news, and other FIFA World Cup 2026 developments as the tournament draws closer.