Sport

World Cup State of Play: England and Sri Lanka campaigns on brink of collapse

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

India are the tournament pacesetters while England and Sri Lanka will both be out to give their semi-final hopes a much-needed boost in their clash at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The hosts are joined by South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the critical top-four spots on the current Cricket World Cup standings but all 10 teams can still dream of claiming a place in the knockout stages.

Here is the state of play ahead of the England and Sri Lanka clash on 26 October:

Standings: Cricket World Cup 2023

1. India (five wins, no losses)
Most runs: Virat Kohli (354 runs)
Most wickets: Jasprit Bumrah (11 wickets)

The hosts are in the driver’s seat to secure a crucial top-four finish after starting their campaign with five comprehensive victories.

India are yet to be truly tested as their well-balanced bowling attack has been able to contain – and often tear through – the opposition batting group to ensure their second-innings target is manageable.

The tournament pacesetters have won each match so far while batting second with captain Rohit Sharma and chase master Virat Kohli leading the way, so it remains to be seen what sort of damage India can do across a full 50 overs.

Still to play: England (29 October), Sri Lanka (2 November), South Africa (5 November), Netherlands (12 November)

2. South Africa (four wins, one loss)
Most runs: Quinton de Kock (407 runs)
Most wickets: Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen (10 wickets each)

South Africa have sent a warning shot across the tournament with four totals above 300 – including more than 400 against Sri Lanka – that have secured four emphatic victories.

The Proteas’ one blemish came in a shock 38-run loss to familiar foes Netherlands when they were skittled out for 207 in their only run chase so far at the Cricket World Cup.

But with a batting group led by opener Quinton de Kock and an explosive middle order, it is unlikely South Africa will continue to suffer from second-innings blues as another shot at an elusive semi-final victory looks all but assured.

Still to play: Pakistan (27 October), New Zealand (1 November), India (5 November), Afghanistan (10 November)

3. New Zealand (four wins, one loss)
Most runs: Rachin Ravindra (290 runs)
Most wickets: Mitch Santner (12 wickets)

The runner’s up at the past two Cricket World Cups are well-placed to secure yet another semi-final berth after thumping defending champions England in their opener then clinching resounding victories over less-fancied opponents.

But tougher tests are to come for New Zealand who showed they could match it with pacesetters India without ever quite taking control of the contest that they ultimately lost by four wickets.

With four wins in the bank and a healthy net run rate, New Zealand likely need two more victories to lock in their spot in the knockout stages and hope to secure at least one of those against fellow contenders Australia and South Africa.

Still to play: Australia (28 October), South Africa (1 November), Pakistan (4 November), Sri Lanka (9 November)

4. Australia (three wins, two losses)
Most runs: David Warner (332 runs)
Most wickets: Adam Zampa (13 wickets)

The five-time champions have been building momentum as the tournament progresses after starting their campaign with two disappointing losses.

Three convincing wins have followed as their batters have found form with at least one strong innings each, while their trio of pacers and spinner Adam Zampa have also made their mark.

Australia arguably still have room for improvement – both in terms of performances and personnel – as they aim to win at least one of their upcoming clashes with arch-rivals New Zealand and England to keep one foot in the knockout stages.

Still to play: New Zealand (28 October), England (4 November), Afghanistan (7 November), Bangladesh (11 November)

5. Pakistan (two wins, three losses)
Most runs: Mohammad Rizwan (302 runs)
Most wickets: Shaheen Afridi (10 wickets)

Pakistan impressed as they opened their Cricket World Cup with two comprehensive victories but have fallen back into the pack to be on the brink of missing out on the knockout stages.

While a thumping at the hands of heated rivals India always stings, it is the loss to Afghanistan that could prove most costly as Pakistan is left with plenty to do in their remaining fixtures.

It is crucial that the 1992 champions snap their three-match losing streak when they face a surging South Africa next otherwise Pakistan will likely be relying on other results to go their way to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Still to play: South Africa (27 October), Bangladesh (31 October), New Zealand (4 November), England (11 November)

6. Afghanistan (two wins, three losses)
Most runs: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (224 runs)
Most wickets: Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan (six wickets each)

Afghanistan are well and truly still in the mix to earn a semi-final berth and will likely need to win at least three of their remaining four matches – if not them all – if they are to sneak in.

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been in fine form, while the spin quartet of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad have all caused some concern for opposition batters at different stages of the tournament.

Still to play: Sri Lanka (30 October), Netherlands (3 November), Australia (7 November), South Africa (10 November)

7. Sri Lanka (one win, three losses)
Most runs: Sadeera Samarawickrama (230 runs)
Most wickets: Dilshan Madushanka (11 wickets)

Injuries prior to the tournament and in the first three weeks in India have proven costly for the 1996 champions who have managed just one triumph heading into their crunch clash with England.

The absence of star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has put too much pressure on Maheesh Theekshana, while the loss of Matheesha Pathirana just this week has also put another dampener on what promised to be a competitive campaign.

A win against England is critical to keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes for the semi-finals intact, while a loss could prove the end to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Still to play: England (26 October), Afghanistan (30 October), India (2 November), Bangladesh (6 November), New Zealand (9 November)

8. England (one win, three losses)
Most runs: Dawid Malan (192 runs)
Most wickets: Reece Topley (eight wickets)

The defending champions’ clash with Sri Lanka looms as a must-win encounter as a loss to the Asian side could leave England with too much to do heading into the backend of the tournament.

Not much has gone right for England thus far with the loss of in-form quick Reece Topley to injury and the absence of Ben Stokes for the first three matches of the campaign putting a dent in their chances for back-to-back titles.

Their sole victory so far in India came against ninth-placed Bangladesh and a win against Sri Lanka is needed to give them a chance of reaching the final four.

Still to play: Sri Lanka (26 October), India (29 October), Australia (4 November), Netherlands (8 November), Pakistan (11 November)

9. Bangladesh (one win, four losses)
Most runs: Mahmudullah Riyad (198 runs)
Most wickets: Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam (six wickets each)

The Asian side made a great start to the 2023 World Cup with a commanding victory against Afghanistan, but subsequent losses to England, New Zealand, India and South Africa have seen their semi-final hopes all but extinguished.

Bangladesh would need to win all their remaining four matches at the tournament and have other results go their way to have any chance of sneaking into the knockout stage of the event. On current form it looms as a tough ask for Shakib Al Hasan’s side.

Still to play: Netherlands (28 October), Pakistan (31 October), Sri Lanka (6 November), Australia (11 November)

10. Netherlands (one win, four losses)
Most runs: Colin Ackermann (137 runs)
Most wickets: Bas de Leede (nine wickets)

The crushing loss to Australia all but put an end to Netherlands’ chances of reaching the semi-finals in India, with the Dutch now needing to win all four of their remaining matches to keep alive any slim hopes.

The upset victory over South Africa has been the clear highlight of Netherlands’ campaign thus far and Scott Edwards’ side were far from outclassed in each of their other matches until crossing paths with a rampant Australia.

Still to play: Bangladesh (28 October), Afghanistan (3 November), England (8 November), India (12 November)

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Omar Zawak beat Ariana FC 2-0 in Afghanistan Champions League clash

Samir Samandari put Omar Zawak ahead in the 9th minute, before Hatim Sherdel doubled the advantage in the 37th minute.

Published

4 hours ago

October 5, 2026

Ariana News

Omar Zawak continued its strong Afghanistan Champions League Season 6 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ariana FC in the second match of the day on Monday.

Samir Samandari put Omar Zawak ahead in the 9th minute, before Hatim Sherdel doubled the advantage in the 37th minute.

Ariana FC were unable to find a response after the break as Omar Zawak comfortably protected its two-goal lead to secure another three points.

The victory leaves Omar Zawak still in third place in the Afghanistan Champions League standings after eight matches.

Omar Zawak now has 19 points, with a record of six wins, one draw and one defeat. They have scored 15 goals and conceded nine, giving them a +6 goal difference.

The team has also won four of its last five matches.

The result further strengthens Omar Zawak’s position among the leading sides as the Season 6 race continues.

Ariana FC remains in fourth place on 14 points after eight matches. Their record now stands at four wins, two draws and two defeats.

The result further tightens the battle near the top of the Afghanistan Champions League table, with Omar Zawak continuing to chase the leading sides as Season 6 progresses.

Ariana Television brings the action live

Ariana Radio and Television Network is broadcasting all Afghanistan Champions League matches live and exclusively on Ariana Television.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media pages for the latest updates, schedules, highlights and much more from the Afghanistan Champions League.

Sport

ACL: Abu Muslim Farah maintain momentum with 2-0 win over Arman FC

Omid Rajabi scored both goals as the defending champions secured another important three points in Season 6.

Published

7 hours ago

October 5, 2026

Ariana News

Abu Muslim Farah retained their position near the top of the Afghanistan Champions League table with a 2-0 victory over Arman FC on Monday.

Omid Rajabi scored both goals as the defending champions secured another important three points in Season 6.

After a goalless first half, Abu Muslim broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, with Rajabi finding the back of the net to give his side the lead.

Arman FC were unable to find an equaliser, and Abu Muslim remained in control as the match entered its final stages.

Rajabi then completed his brace in the 90th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for Abu Muslim and putting the result beyond doubt. Rajabi was also named Player of the Match.

Their win keeps Abu Muslim Farah in second place on the league table with 19 points, having recorded four wins and one defeat in their five matches.

Abu Muslim’s latest victory further strengthens their challenge at the top of the table as the Afghanistan Champions League Season 6 campaign continues.

Ariana Television brings the action live

Ariana Radio and Television Network is broadcasting all Afghanistan Champions League matches live and exclusively on Ariana Television.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media pages for the latest updates, schedules, highlights and much more from the Afghanistan Champions League.

Sport

Cricket Bonanza: Afghanistan set for packed international schedule

Afghanistan’s packed international programme gives fans plenty to look forward to, with Test, ODI and T20I cricket all featuring over the coming weeks — and Ariana Television will bring the action live to viewers.

Published

11 hours ago

October 5, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team is set for a busy run of international cricket over the next few months, with a packed schedule beginning this Friday when the national side takes on Bangladesh in a one-off Test in the United Arab Emirates.

The five-day Test begins on Friday, October 9, with live coverage on Ariana Television, marking the start of a busy period of cricket for Afghanistan.

The Test against Bangladesh will be followed by a three-nation ODI series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, with matches scheduled from October 17 to 23.

The first two matches of the tri-series will be played in Abu Dhabi, while the remaining two matches will take place in Sharjah.

Afghanistan will then face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series, with matches scheduled for October 27, October 29 and November 1.

The T20I series will be followed by a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, beginning on November 5, with the second Test starting on November 13. All five matches against Zimbabwe will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

All of the matches will be broadcast live on Ariana Television, giving Afghan cricket fans an extended run of international action across all three formats.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the Test, ODI and T20I squads for the busy schedule against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Rahmat Shah will lead Afghanistan in both Test and ODI cricket after recently being appointed captain in the two formats.

He guided Afghanistan to a 4-0 ODI series victory over Ireland in August, while the upcoming Test against Bangladesh will be his first assignment as Afghanistan’s full-time Test captain.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam returns to the Test squad after missing the recent Test against India.

Middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai have also been recalled following strong performances in the ongoing Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament.

Shahidullah has scored 538 runs at an average of 76.85, while Yamin has taken 42 wickets at an average of 12.73, with both currently leading the respective batting and bowling charts in the tournament.

Experienced left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar also returns to the Test squad after being sidelined by injury for almost a year. Leg-spinner Khalil Gurbaz, who was part of Afghanistan’s Test squad for the Ireland Test in 2024, has also been recalled.

Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran remain rested from Test cricket following medical advice against their participation in the longer format at this stage.

In white-ball cricket, middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli has been left out of both the ODI and T20I squads, while Mohammad Nabi has been omitted from the T20I squad.

Mohammad Akram, who recently made his T20I debut at the 2026 Asian Games, has earned a place in the T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series. Young fast-bowling all-rounder Abdullah Tarakhil has also been rewarded for his performances in the 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League.

Ijaz Ahmadzai and Shahidullah Kamal have also been recalled to the T20I squad, while Fareed Ahmad Malik, who was among the reserves for Afghanistan’s recent T20I series against India, has been promoted to the main 15-member squad.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said Test cricket remains a major priority for Afghanistan and described the upcoming matches against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe as important opportunities for the team, particularly its emerging players, to gain experience in the longer format.

He also said the ODI Tri-Nation Series will form part of Afghanistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, while emphasizing the ACB’s commitment to providing the national team with regular, high-quality international cricket.

Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has the exclusive rights to broadcast Afghanistan’s upcoming international cricket matches across Afghanistan, bringing the national team’s Test, ODI and T20I action to audiences nationwide.

The agreement forms part of ATN’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development and promotion of sport in Afghanistan, providing fans with broad access to major sporting events while helping strengthen the connection between Afghan athletes, national teams and their supporters.

Through its continued investment in sports broadcasting, ATN remains committed to giving Afghan sport a prominent platform and helping inspire the next generation of players and fans.

Afghanistan Test squad

Rahmat Shah (Captain), Ikram Alikhil (Vice-Captain & WK), Afsar Zazai (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Zadran, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Khalil Gurbaz, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Yamin Ahmadzai.

Reserves: Baheer Shah Mahboob, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad.

Afghanistan ODI squad

Rahmat Shah (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Vice-Captain & WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyalai Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai.

Travelling reserve: Qais Ahmad.

Afghanistan T20I squad

Ibrahim Zadran (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Akram, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdullah Tarakhil, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik.

Reserves: Faridoon Dawoodzai, Qais Ahmad, Nangyalai Khan.