<p>Afghanistan, in arguably one of the best T20 matches ever played in history, lost to South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 11) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 and now stare at an early exit. The match saw two super overs after it ended in a tie following completion of 40 overs with both sides at 187. Afghanistan needed 24 of 4 balls in the end to win the match, Gurbaz smashed three sixes after helping his team with 42-ball 84 during chase, but got out on the last ball rather meekly to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-2026-thriller-for-ages-watch-sa-vs-afg-double-super-over-drama-at-narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-1770806597881">end a thriller in an anti-climax</a>. Afghanistan coach Johnathan Trott, after the loss, agreed that it is 'devastating' for the players.</p><h2>What Afghanistan's loss means for Super 8 qualification</h2><p>After losing their first two matches, against New Zealand (by 5 wickets on Feb 8) and South Africa (in double super over on Feb 11), Afghanistan's road to Super 8 has become very tricky. Their next two matches are against UAE (on Feb 16) and Canada (On Feb 19). Afghanistan not only must win the upcoming two matches but must hope for New Zealand or South Africa to loss both of their their matches and even then net run-rate comes into the picture. Afghanistan currenty are on third spot in the Group D points table which topped by New Zealand (4 points in 2 matches), followed by South Africa (4 points in 2 matches). UAE and Canada, meanwhile, are at 4th and 5th spot after losing their opening matches against NZ (Feb 10) and SA (Feb 9), respectively.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-too-careful-not-dewy-enough-england-skipper-brook-shares-reason-for-loss-vs-west-indies-1770860870922">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Too careful, not dewy enough': England skipper Brook shares reason for loss vs West Indies</a></p><h2>Afghan coach reacts to double super over loss vs South Africa</h2><p>"Just shows what we have as a side. So we’ve got some amazing players and it’s just really devastating for the guys after a tough loss a few days ago against New Zealand and now against South Africa in a tough group as well,” Afghan coach Trott said at the post-match press conference.</p><p>Afghanistan, semi-finalist of T20 World Cup 2024, should have won the match in the regulation time only. They needed 2 runs off three balls and the fourth ball was free-hit. Noor Ahmed hit the ball to long off and they scampered back for a double but a run-out, the only way to get out on a free-hit, ended Afghanistan's innings at scores level.</p>

Afghanistan play their next two matches are against UAE (on Feb 16) and Canada (On Feb 19). Afghanistan not only must win the upcoming two matches but must hope for New Zealand or South Africa to loss both of their matches and even then net run-rate comes into the picture. 

Afghanistan, in arguably one of the best T20 matches ever played in history, lost to South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 11) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 and now stare at an early exit. The match saw two super overs after it ended in a tie following completion of 40 overs with both sides at 187. Afghanistan needed 24 of 4 balls in the end to win the match, Gurbaz smashed three sixes after helping his team with 42-ball 84 during chase, but got out on the last ball rather meekly to end a thriller in an anti-climax. Afghanistan coach Johnathan Trott, after the loss, agreed that it is 'devastating' for the players. What Afghanistan's loss means for Super 8 qualification After losing their first two matches, against New Zealand (by 5 wickets on Feb 8) and South Africa (in double super over on Feb 11), Afghanistan's road to Super 8 has become very tricky. Their next two matches are against UAE (on Feb 16) and Canada (On Feb 19). Afghanistan not only must win the upcoming two matches but must hope for New Zealand or South Africa to loss both of their their matches and even then net run-rate comes into the picture. Afghanistan currenty are on third spot in the Group D points table which topped by New Zealand (4 points in 2 matches), followed by South Africa (4 points in 2 matches). UAE and Canada, meanwhile, are at 4th and 5th spot after losing their opening matches against NZ (Feb 10) and SA (Feb 9), respectively. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Too careful, not dewy enough': England skipper Brook shares reason for loss vs West Indies Afghan coach reacts to double super over loss vs South Africa "Just shows what we have as a side. So we’ve got some amazing players and it’s just really devastating for the guys after a tough loss a few days ago against New Zealand and now against South Africa in a tough group as well,” Afghan coach Trott said at the post-match press conference. Afghanistan, semi-finalist of T20 World Cup 2024, should have won the match in the regulation time only. They needed 2 runs off three balls and the fourth ball was free-hit. Noor Ahmed hit the ball to long off and they scampered back for a double but a run-out, the only way to get out on a free-hit, ended Afghanistan's innings at scores level.

<p>Afghanistan play their next two matches are against UAE (on Feb 16) and Canada (On Feb 19). Afghanistan not only must win the upcoming two matches but must hope for New Zealand or South Africa to loss both of their matches and even then net run-rate comes into the picture.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | Afghanistan out of tournament? How double super over loss vs SA impacts AFG's Super 8 qualification

<p>South Africa survived three sixes in a row and two super overs to win a thriller against Afghanistan at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 11) in T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match. Afghanistan had their chances but fell short in the end in what would be counted as a gut-wrenching match. Needing 24 off 4 balls in the second super over, Afghan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit three sixes off Keshav Maharaj in a row. With 6 needed off the last ball, Maharaj bowled a wide ball to bring the equation 5 off 1 - a four would have sent the match into the third super over but alas, Maharaj got Gurbaz out and SA came out winning.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-bangladesh-sport-advisor-nazrul-blames-boycott-on-bcb-and-players-1770793864951">T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh sport advisor Nazrul blames boycott on BCB and players</a></p><p>Before that, Afghanistan scored 17 runs in the first super over, thanks to two fours and a six by Azmatullah Omarzai. South Africa were almost out of it with 7 needed off 1 ball but Tristan Stubbs hit a six to send the match into second super over.</p><p>Earlier, Afghanistan started the chase of 188 well, scoring 51 for no loss before Lungi Ngidi took two wickets in the 5th over and a wicket in the next one saw Afghanistan slipped to 52/3. Gurbaz, meanwhile, kept the innings going before falling for a brilliant 42-ball 84. Needing 41 runs in alst four overs, the equation came down to 2 runs off three balls with just one wicket left. A run left the game at 187 for each side, something Afghanistan would rue as the run came on a free hit.</p><h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-quinton-de-kock-overtakes-ab-de-villiers-as-highest-run-scorer-for-sa-in-t20-wcs-1770795724455">QDK-Rickelton power SA innings va South Africa</a></h2><p>After being put in to bat first, South Africa didn't have a very good start as skipper Markram (5) departed in the third over at a team score of 12 runs. QDK then paired up with Ryan Rickelton and the duo added 114 runs in 12.1 overs and put their team on the top. The partnership was broken by Afghan spinner Rashid Khan who dismissed De Kock. Rickelton (61 off 28) departed in the same over and Afghans had a comeback. Dewald Brevis (23 off 19) and Miller (20 off 15) took their team past 150 as South Africa finished at &nbsp;187/6 in 20 overs. For Afghnistan, Azamtullah Omarzai took 3/41 while Rashid pitched in with 2/28 and Fazalhaq Farooqi took 1/32.</p><p><i>More to follow…</i></p>

Needing 24 off 4 balls in the second super over, Afghan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit three sixes off Keshav Maharaj in a row. With 6 needed off the last ball, Maharaj bowled a wide ball to bring the equation 5 off 1. Maharaj, however, got Gurbaz out and SA came out winning.

South Africa survived three sixes in a row and two super overs to win a thriller against Afghanistan at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 11) in T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match. Afghanistan had their chances but fell short in the end in what would be counted as a gut-wrenching match. Needing 24 off 4 balls in the second super over, Afghan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit three sixes off Keshav Maharaj in a row. With 6 needed off the last ball, Maharaj bowled a wide ball to bring the equation 5 off 1 - a four would have sent the match into the third super over but alas, Maharaj got Gurbaz out and SA came out winning. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh sport advisor Nazrul blames boycott on BCB and players Before that, Afghanistan scored 17 runs in the first super over, thanks to two fours and a six by Azmatullah Omarzai. South Africa were almost out of it with 7 needed off 1 ball but Tristan Stubbs hit a six to send the match into second super over. Earlier, Afghanistan started the chase of 188 well, scoring 51 for no loss before Lungi Ngidi took two wickets in the 5th over and a wicket in the next one saw Afghanistan slipped to 52/3. Gurbaz, meanwhile, kept the innings going before falling for a brilliant 42-ball 84. Needing 41 runs in alst four overs, the equation came down to 2 runs off three balls with just one wicket left. A run left the game at 187 for each side, something Afghanistan would rue as the run came on a free hit. QDK-Rickelton power SA innings va South Africa After being put in to bat first, South Africa didn't have a very good start as skipper Markram (5) departed in the third over at a team score of 12 runs. QDK then paired up with Ryan Rickelton and the duo added 114 runs in 12.1 overs and put their team on the top. The partnership was broken by Afghan spinner Rashid Khan who dismissed De Kock. Rickelton (61 off 28) departed in the same over and Afghans had a comeback. Dewald Brevis (23 off 19) and Miller (20 off 15) took their team past 150 as South Africa finished at 187/6 in 20 overs. For Afghnistan, Azamtullah Omarzai took 3/41 while Rashid pitched in with 2/28 and Fazalhaq Farooqi took 1/32. More to follow…

<p>Needing 24 off 4 balls in the second super over, Afghan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit three sixes off Keshav Maharaj in a row. With 6 needed off the last ball, Maharaj bowled a wide ball to bring the equation 5 off 1. Maharaj, however, got Gurbaz out and SA came out winning.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: 6,6,6, W! South Africa survive Afghanistan scare and two super overs for win in Ahmedabad

<p>South African pace legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/dale-steyn">Dale Steyn</a> believes that Afghanistan has the potential to win an ICC limited-overs tournament within the next decade if their players develop patience in their approach.</p>
<p>Rising through the ranks despite the challenges of war and instability, Afghanistan has transformed from an affiliate member to a formidable force in white-ball cricket. Their performance in recent ICC tournaments has been impressive&mdash;they came close to reaching the knockouts in the 2023 ODI World Cup, securing victories over former champions England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They also reached the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, eliminating Australia along the way.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-shami-likely-to-be-rested-against-nz-arshdeep-to-replace-him-reports-8768121">Champions Trophy: Shami likely to be rested against NZ; Arshdeep to replace him- Reports</a></strong></p>
<p>Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Steyn pointed out that the Afghan players often lack patience, which is crucial in building an innings or constructing a spell.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We live in a time where people struggle with patience&mdash;we can barely watch two seconds of an Instagram story. It feels like Afghanistan&rsquo;s players approach their cricket in a similar way,&rdquo; Steyn remarked. &ldquo;They want things to happen immediately. Every ball must be a wicket; every shot must clear the ropes. Their batters often show excessive movement at the crease, trying to hit a six from the first over itself.&rdquo;</p>
<p>At the ongoing ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a>, Afghanistan was in contention for a semifinal spot alongside Australia and South Africa, especially after their victory over England. However, their opening loss to South Africa proved costly, and their 'virtual quarterfinal' against Australia was washed out, leaving both teams to share points. While they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying if England thrashes South Africa by a huge margin, the odds remain slim due to the Proteas' superior net run rate (2.140 compared to Afghanistan&rsquo;s -0.990).</p>
<p>Steyn said that playing more four-day first-class cricket could help Afghan players cultivate the patience needed to excel in the longer white-ball formats.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Previously, players would improve their skills and patience by playing county or first-class cricket. Many Afghan players are involved in T20 leagues worldwide, which benefits them financially and provides valuable exposure. But spending time in four-day cricket might help them understand how to build an innings&mdash;after all, one-day cricket is essentially a condensed version of a Test match,&rdquo; he explained.</p>

Sports, Cricket: Overcoming war and instability in their nation, the Afghanistan cricket team has evolved from an affiliate member to a formidable force in white-ball tournaments

South African pace legend Dale Steyn believes that Afghanistan has the potential to win an ICC limited-overs tournament within the next decade if their players develop patience in their approach. Rising through the ranks despite the challenges of war and instability, Afghanistan has transformed from an affiliate member to a formidable force in white-ball cricket. Their performance in recent ICC tournaments has been impressive—they came close to reaching the knockouts in the 2023 ODI World Cup, securing victories over former champions England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They also reached the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, eliminating Australia along the way. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Shami likely to be rested against NZ; Arshdeep to replace him- Reports Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Steyn pointed out that the Afghan players often lack patience, which is crucial in building an innings or constructing a spell. “We live in a time where people struggle with patience—we can barely watch two seconds of an Instagram story. It feels like Afghanistan’s players approach their cricket in a similar way,” Steyn remarked. “They want things to happen immediately. Every ball must be a wicket; every shot must clear the ropes. Their batters often show excessive movement at the crease, trying to hit a six from the first over itself.” At the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan was in contention for a semifinal spot alongside Australia and South Africa, especially after their victory over England. However, their opening loss to South Africa proved costly, and their 'virtual quarterfinal' against Australia was washed out, leaving both teams to share points. While they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying if England thrashes South Africa by a huge margin, the odds remain slim due to the Proteas' superior net run rate (2.140 compared to Afghanistan’s -0.990). Steyn said that playing more four-day first-class cricket could help Afghan players cultivate the patience needed to excel in the longer white-ball formats. “Previously, players would improve their skills and patience by playing county or first-class cricket. Many Afghan players are involved in T20 leagues worldwide, which benefits them financially and provides valuable exposure. But spending time in four-day cricket might help them understand how to build an innings—after all, one-day cricket is essentially a condensed version of a Test match,” he explained.

'Afghanistan can win an ICC tournament in the next decade', says former South African pace legend

<p>Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said that the team is planning for the entire Australian team and not just Glenn Maxwell. The comments were in context of Maxwell's 2023 ODI World Cup innings when he hit 200 while cramped badly and took the team home from 91/7. The loss had ended Afghanistan's campaign in the ICC tournament.</p>
<p>"You think we will come only to play with Maxwell?," said Shahidi when asked about the 2023 WC meeting vs Australia after beating England in the Champions Trophy on Feb 26.</p>
<p><strong>Champions Trophy:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-coach-jonathan-trott-confident-afghanistan-never-going-to-be-taken-lightly-ever-again-after-england-win-8762158">Coach Jonathan Trott confident 'Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again' after England win</a></p>
<p>The win kept Afghanistan alive in the ICC tournament but sent England packing home, their third disappointing ICC tournament on the trot.</p>
<p>"We have planning for all Australian team. I know that he (Maxwell) played really well in 2023 World Cup, but that's part of history."</p>
<p>"After that, we beat them in [the] T20 World Cup. We think about all [the] opposition team, we are not coming to the ground to plan on [an] individual player. We will try our best to come with the planning and we are not playing only Maxwell - we are playing Australia."</p>
<p>"We will try to play positive game - just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well," Shahidi said. "We won't put that pressure on ourselves by thinking too much about the semi-final qualification," he added.</p>
<p>Afghanistan next play against Australia, which is a do-or-die game for both teams. Australia are currently at three points from two games while Afghanistan have two. Whichever team wins the match will become the first one to enter semis from Group B.</p>
<p>In case Afghanistan wins, Australia will have to hope for South Africa's loss against England in their last group stage match, and that too by a huge margin.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In case Australia wins, then South Africa will also qualify for the semis with their three points, while Afghanistan will join England in going home.</p>

Cricket | Sports: Champions Trophy: The win on Feb 26 kept Afghanistan alive in the ICC tournament but sent England packing home - their third disappointing ICC tournament on the trot.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said that the team is planning for the entire Australian team and not just Glenn Maxwell. The comments were in context of Maxwell's 2023 ODI World Cup innings when he hit 200 while cramped badly and took the team home from 91/7. The loss had ended Afghanistan's campaign in the ICC tournament. "You think we will come only to play with Maxwell?," said Shahidi when asked about the 2023 WC meeting vs Australia after beating England in the Champions Trophy on Feb 26. Champions Trophy: Coach Jonathan Trott confident 'Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again' after England win The win kept Afghanistan alive in the ICC tournament but sent England packing home, their third disappointing ICC tournament on the trot. "We have planning for all Australian team. I know that he (Maxwell) played really well in 2023 World Cup, but that's part of history." "After that, we beat them in [the] T20 World Cup. We think about all [the] opposition team, we are not coming to the ground to plan on [an] individual player. We will try our best to come with the planning and we are not playing only Maxwell - we are playing Australia." "We will try to play positive game - just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well," Shahidi said. "We won't put that pressure on ourselves by thinking too much about the semi-final qualification," he added. Afghanistan next play against Australia, which is a do-or-die game for both teams. Australia are currently at three points from two games while Afghanistan have two. Whichever team wins the match will become the first one to enter semis from Group B. In case Afghanistan wins, Australia will have to hope for South Africa's loss against England in their last group stage match, and that too by a huge margin. In case Australia wins, then South Africa will also qualify for the semis with their three points, while Afghanistan will join England in going home.

Champions Trophy: 'Just like we defeated England...,' Afghan skipper Shahidi exudes confidence for AUS game

<p>Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott says that no team will take Afghanistan lightly in future. The comments come after Trott's boys beat England in Champions Trophy on Feb 26 in Lahore. With the loss, England were sent packing home while Afghanistan still have a shot at the semis.</p>
<p>"What happened in the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and [now], I say this to the players: Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again," he said after the match.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"In the past, perhaps people would have seen the fixture and thought it was a little bit easier than playing a historic Test nation."</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-fakhar-zaman-retirement-news-here-what-pak-batter-said-about-retiring-8761155" aria-label="Champions Trophy: Fakhar Zaman retiring? Here's what Pak opener said">Champions Trophy: Fakhar Zaman retiring? Here's what Pak opener said</a></p>
<p>"But in this format, in these conditions, I don't see that. I see every game that we play is going to be competitive and every game we go into I expect to win. Australia aren't going to take us lightly."</p>
<p>"Since I've been coach, we've played against Australia three times and we've been in the game each of those games. I'll tell the players to enjoy tonight. I'm going to make sure when they wake up tomorrow, they're ready for Australia immediately. The focus is on Australia. That's how the players are going to be and that's what I'll tell the fans," added Trott.</p>
<p>Afghanistan next play against Australia which is a do or die game for both teams. Australia are currently at three points from two games while Afghanistan have two. Whichever team wins the match will become the first one to enter semis from Group B.</p>
<p>In case Afghanistan wins, Australia will have to hope for South Africa's loss against England in their last group stage match and that too by a huge margin.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In case Australia win then South Africa will also qualify for the semis with their three points while Afghanistan will join England in going home.</p>

Afghanistan next play against Australia which is a do or die game for both teams. Australia are currently at three points from two games while Afghanistan have two. Cricket Sports

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott says that no team will take Afghanistan lightly in future. The comments come after Trott's boys beat England in Champions Trophy on Feb 26 in Lahore. With the loss, England were sent packing home while Afghanistan still have a shot at the semis. "What happened in the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and [now], I say this to the players: Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again," he said after the match. "In the past, perhaps people would have seen the fixture and thought it was a little bit easier than playing a historic Test nation." Also Read: Champions Trophy: Fakhar Zaman retiring? Here's what Pak opener said "But in this format, in these conditions, I don't see that. I see every game that we play is going to be competitive and every game we go into I expect to win. Australia aren't going to take us lightly." "Since I've been coach, we've played against Australia three times and we've been in the game each of those games. I'll tell the players to enjoy tonight. I'm going to make sure when they wake up tomorrow, they're ready for Australia immediately. The focus is on Australia. That's how the players are going to be and that's what I'll tell the fans," added Trott. Afghanistan next play against Australia which is a do or die game for both teams. Australia are currently at three points from two games while Afghanistan have two. Whichever team wins the match will become the first one to enter semis from Group B. In case Afghanistan wins, Australia will have to hope for South Africa's loss against England in their last group stage match and that too by a huge margin. In case Australia win then South Africa will also qualify for the semis with their three points while Afghanistan will join England in going home.

Champions Trophy: Coach Jonathan Trott confident 'Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again' after England win

<p>Jofra Archer created history for England during the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on Wednesday (Feb 26). Archer, with his first wicket of the match, completed 50 ODI wickets in 30 games&mdash;the fastest for England. He surpassed England great James Anderson 31-match record to set the new milestone. Anderson had taken his 50th ODI wicket against the West Indies 21 years ago in 2004.</p>
<p>In a do or die Group B match, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first in Lahore. England, however, rocked the opposition early on as Archer took three wickets inside 10 overs. Afghanistan were 37/3 when Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi joined forces.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-gavaskar-says-babar-can-be-back-to-scoring-runs-if-pak-batter-makes-this-change-8758180" aria-label="Champions Trophy: Gavaskar says Babar can be back to scoring runs if Pak batter makes THIS change">Champions Trophy: Gavaskar says Babar can be back to scoring runs if Pak batter makes THIS change</a></p>
<p>The duo added 103 runs for the fourth wicket before England spinner Adil Rashid dismissed Shahidi for a personal score of 40. After that, Azmatullah Omarzai joined Zadran and added 72 runs for the fifth wicket.</p>
<p>Jamie Overton dismissed Omarzai in the 40th over to break the partnership. In between those wickets, Zadran became the first Afghan batter to score a hundred in the ICC Champions Trophy.</p>
<p><em>More to follow...</em></p>

He surpassed England great James Anderson 31-match record to set the new milestone. Anderson had taken his 50th ODI wicket against West Indies 21 years ago in 2004.

Jofra Archer created history for England during the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on Wednesday (Feb 26). Archer, with his first wicket of the match, completed 50 ODI wickets in 30 games—the fastest for England. He surpassed England great James Anderson 31-match record to set the new milestone. Anderson had taken his 50th ODI wicket against the West Indies 21 years ago in 2004. In a do or die Group B match, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first in Lahore. England, however, rocked the opposition early on as Archer took three wickets inside 10 overs. Afghanistan were 37/3 when Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi joined forces. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Gavaskar says Babar can be back to scoring runs if Pak batter makes THIS change The duo added 103 runs for the fourth wicket before England spinner Adil Rashid dismissed Shahidi for a personal score of 40. After that, Azmatullah Omarzai joined Zadran and added 72 runs for the fifth wicket. Jamie Overton dismissed Omarzai in the 40th over to break the partnership. In between those wickets, Zadran became the first Afghan batter to score a hundred in the ICC Champions Trophy. More to follow...

Champions Trophy, AFG vs ENG: Jofra Archer creates history, breaks James Anderson's THIS 21-year old record

<p>Did Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi do a Kapil Dev at a pre-game presser? Remember when Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, playing the former Indian captain Kapil in a Hindi movie named &lsquo;83&rsquo; said, "We are here to win," referring to his team's chances in the 1983 World Cup; Shahidi just did the same, saying Afghanistan are not just participating in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> for fun or to get better at their game, but to win the tournament.</p>
<p>Afghanistan will face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/south-africa-at-champions-trophy-2025-swot-analysis-proteas-time-to-shine-at-multi-team-event-8729631" rel="dofollow">South Africa</a> in their tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday (Feb 21), and ahead of this crucial game, knowing what the Asian minnows did to the Proteas in their last bilateral ODIs (beating them 2-1), their captain coming out claiming his team&rsquo;s mission to win this event boosts their chances.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-bangladeshs-towhid-hridoy-beats-heat-cramps-to-notch-up-brilliant-hundred-against-india-8740585" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh&rsquo;s Hridoy beats heat, cramps to hit maiden ODI ton against India</a></strong></p>
<h2>Afghanistan on the top!</h2>
<p>Since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where Afghanistan beat three former world champions&mdash;England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka&mdash;they entered this tournament on the back of four ODI series wins against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>Even at last year&rsquo;s T20 World Cup in the Americas, Afghanistan stunned New Zealand and Australia in their group stage to make it to their maiden semis of an ICC event. Having achieved so much in the past year or so, Afghanistan is oozing with confidence ahead of its first game of this showpiece event.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-pakistan-has-many-flaws-but-if-they-can-beat-india-mohammad-amir-8740393" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025: &lsquo;Pakistan has many flaws, but if they can beat India&hellip;,&rsquo; Mohammad Amir</a></strong></p>
<p>"We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event," Shahidi said ahead of South Africa&rsquo;s clash in Karachi.</p>
<p>"We played a lot of quality cricket from last two years, and it's a good chance for us because the boys are very experienced, and these conditions are also suitable for us, so we have a good chance and let's start it from tomorrow, and hopefully we start with the win, and we go with the same momentum throughout the tournament."</p>
<p>"Recently, we beat them in Sharjah 2-1, so we have that confidence with us, and we are not under pressure anyway because right now we are focusing what we can do in this tournament, and I believe that our team is ready for this tournament and we are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us," he continued.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Afghanistan is placed in Group B, alongside the Proteas, the former two-time winners Australia and ex-world champions England. While they take on England (February 26) in Lahore, their clash against Australia is scheduled two days later at the same venue.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: In the lead-up to this tournament, Afghanistan won four ODI series—against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

Did Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi do a Kapil Dev at a pre-game presser? Remember when Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, playing the former Indian captain Kapil in a Hindi movie named ‘83’ said, "We are here to win," referring to his team's chances in the 1983 World Cup; Shahidi just did the same, saying Afghanistan are not just participating in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for fun or to get better at their game, but to win the tournament. Afghanistan will face South Africa in their tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday (Feb 21), and ahead of this crucial game, knowing what the Asian minnows did to the Proteas in their last bilateral ODIs (beating them 2-1), their captain coming out claiming his team’s mission to win this event boosts their chances. Also read | Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh’s Hridoy beats heat, cramps to hit maiden ODI ton against India Afghanistan on the top! Since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where Afghanistan beat three former world champions—England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—they entered this tournament on the back of four ODI series wins against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. Even at last year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas, Afghanistan stunned New Zealand and Australia in their group stage to make it to their maiden semis of an ICC event. Having achieved so much in the past year or so, Afghanistan is oozing with confidence ahead of its first game of this showpiece event. Also read | Champions Trophy 2025: ‘Pakistan has many flaws, but if they can beat India…,’ Mohammad Amir "We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event," Shahidi said ahead of South Africa’s clash in Karachi. "We played a lot of quality cricket from last two years, and it's a good chance for us because the boys are very experienced, and these conditions are also suitable for us, so we have a good chance and let's start it from tomorrow, and hopefully we start with the win, and we go with the same momentum throughout the tournament." "Recently, we beat them in Sharjah 2-1, so we have that confidence with us, and we are not under pressure anyway because right now we are focusing what we can do in this tournament, and I believe that our team is ready for this tournament and we are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us," he continued. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is placed in Group B, alongside the Proteas, the former two-time winners Australia and ex-world champions England. While they take on England (February 26) in Lahore, their clash against Australia is scheduled two days later at the same venue. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan captain does Kapil Dev at presser, says ‘we are not here to participate...’

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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" paraid="1629711104" paraeid="{a3073ec8-220b-4dba-8bb5-c75dca473b20}{34}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Afghanistan's journey to the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025 marks a historic milestone for the team as they make their maiden appearance in this prestigious 50-over tournament. </span></span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" paraid="1629711104" paraeid="{a3073ec8-220b-4dba-8bb5-c75dca473b20}{34}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse. With their formidable spin attack, dynamic opening pair, and familiarity with the conditions in Pakistan, they could surprise many. Here&rsquo;s a SWOT analysis of their prospects.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="2020717947" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{37}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Strengths</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1316884564" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{53}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">World-class spin attack: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rashid-khan">Rashid Khan</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammad-nabi">Mohammad Nabi</a>, Noor Ahmad, and Nangeyalia Kharote form one of the most lethal spin departments in the tournament. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Rashid Khan&rsquo;s exceptional economy rate (4.2) and wicket-taking ability provide a huge advantage on spin-friendly tracks. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Even with the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan&rsquo;s depth in spin remains unmatched.</span></span><strong><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1474813412" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{117}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Explosive opening pair: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran&rsquo;s consistent opening stands (48.83 average partnership) set the tone for strong batting starts. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Their complementary styles ensure a balance of aggression and stability.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="506709327" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{173}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Familiar conditions:&nbsp;</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Playing in Karachi and Lahore offers Afghanistan a home-like advantage, with spin-friendly pitches that suit their strength. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Many players have PSL experience, which helps them acclimatise quickly.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="174495284" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{213}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Weaknesses</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></strong></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1227894875" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{229}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Middle-order inconsistency: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Gulbadin Naib have struggled for form, with averages below 33 since 2024. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Over-reliance on the top order makes Afghanistan vulnerable to collapses.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="227223250" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{22}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Inexperienced pace attack: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the seam unit, but the support cast (Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Naveed Zadran) lacks experience against top-tier teams. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">High economy rates and inconsistent wicket-taking could hurt them on batting-friendly tracks.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="798391803" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{70}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Opportunities</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></strong></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1919788337" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{134}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Young guns to shine:&nbsp;</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, and Naveed Zadran have a chance to make a name for themselves on the world stage. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">A breakout tournament from any of these young talents could give Afghanistan a competitive edge.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="623599004" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{182}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Favourable spin conditions: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">With pitches likely to offer turn, Afghanistan&rsquo;s spinners could dominate and create match-winning scenarios.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="804895409" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{214}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Threats</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW12912027 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1294981189" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{230}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Formidable group stage opponents: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/australia-cricket">Australia</a>, England, and South Africa means Afghanistan cannot afford any slip-ups. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">All three teams have strong batting lineups and seam attacks that can expose Afghanistan&rsquo;s weaknesses.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW12912027 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="887505251" paraeid="{8a4679e0-eb44-480d-9aba-ef55fa16205e}{23}"><strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Lack of ODI exposure: </span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Afghanistan&rsquo;s last ODI series was in December 2024 against Zimbabwe, which may leave them undercooked in the 50-over format. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">This lack of match practice could impact their rhythm and ability to perform under pressure.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW12912027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW12912027 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1729730137" paraeid="{8a4679e0-eb44-480d-9aba-ef55fa16205e}{71}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW12912027 BCX0">Afghanistan have the talent and conditions to create upsets in the Champions Trophy 2025. Their spin attack is their biggest strength, and if they exploit the pitches well, they could challenge even the strongest teams. However, to progress beyond the group stage, they must address their middle-order woes, strengthen their pace unit, and improve their chasing record. A semi-final spot is within reach, but only if they bring their A-game consistently.</span></span></p>
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Cricket, Sports: Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse.

Afghanistan's journey to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a historic milestone for the team as they make their maiden appearance in this prestigious 50-over tournament. Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse. With their formidable spin attack, dynamic opening pair, and familiarity with the conditions in Pakistan, they could surprise many. Here’s a SWOT analysis of their prospects. Strengths World-class spin attack: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Nangeyalia Kharote form one of the most lethal spin departments in the tournament. Rashid Khan’s exceptional economy rate (4.2) and wicket-taking ability provide a huge advantage on spin-friendly tracks. Even with the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s depth in spin remains unmatched. Explosive opening pair: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s consistent opening stands (48.83 average partnership) set the tone for strong batting starts. Their complementary styles ensure a balance of aggression and stability. Familiar conditions: Playing in Karachi and Lahore offers Afghanistan a home-like advantage, with spin-friendly pitches that suit their strength. Many players have PSL experience, which helps them acclimatise quickly. Weaknesses Middle-order inconsistency: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Gulbadin Naib have struggled for form, with averages below 33 since 2024. Over-reliance on the top order makes Afghanistan vulnerable to collapses. Inexperienced pace attack: Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the seam unit, but the support cast (Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Naveed Zadran) lacks experience against top-tier teams. High economy rates and inconsistent wicket-taking could hurt them on batting-friendly tracks. Opportunities Young guns to shine: Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, and Naveed Zadran have a chance to make a name for themselves on the world stage. A breakout tournament from any of these young talents could give Afghanistan a competitive edge. Favourable spin conditions: With pitches likely to offer turn, Afghanistan’s spinners could dominate and create match-winning scenarios. Threats Formidable group stage opponents: Facing Australia, England, and South Africa means Afghanistan cannot afford any slip-ups. All three teams have strong batting lineups and seam attacks that can expose Afghanistan’s weaknesses. Lack of ODI exposure: Afghanistan’s last ODI series was in December 2024 against Zimbabwe, which may leave them undercooked in the 50-over format. This lack of match practice could impact their rhythm and ability to perform under pressure. Afghanistan have the talent and conditions to create upsets in the Champions Trophy 2025. Their spin attack is their biggest strength, and if they exploit the pitches well, they could challenge even the strongest teams. However, to progress beyond the group stage, they must address their middle-order woes, strengthen their pace unit, and improve their chasing record. A semi-final spot is within reach, but only if they bring their A-game consistently.

SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Spinners, stars, and surprises-Can Afghanistan spin their way to success?

<p>The England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy 2025</a> amid calls for a boycott. ECB chair Richard Thompson, in a statement, confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/england-cricket">England</a> will play the fixture against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore (Pakistan).</p>
<p>&ldquo;The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">International Cricket Council</a> (ICC), our England Men&rsquo;s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter, as well as considering how best the ECB can support those women cricketers who have fled Afghanistan.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-full-schedule-match-dates-venues-timings-for-all-teams-india-pakistan-new-zealand-bangladesh-australia-england-south-africa-afghanistan-8693674">Check match schedule, dates, venues and timings for all teams in Champions Trophy</a></p>
<p>&ldquo;Following this, we remain of the view that a co-ordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match, while we have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture," the statement read.</p>
<h2><strong>What's happening in Afghanistan?</strong></h2>
<p>Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 after the foreign troops departed, there's been a considerable change in policies, especially around women's rights. Under the Taliban rule, women are not allowed to participate in sports, among other things.</p>
<p>Afghanistan women's cricket team members fled the country in August 2021 when the Taliban took over and have been fighting for their rights ever since. The ECB called the discrimination against women in Afghanistan a 'gender apartheid.'</p>
<p>"What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid. At a cricketing level, when women&rsquo;s and girls&rsquo; cricket is growing rapidly around the world it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further," the ECB release read. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

2025 Champions Trophy: England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC tournament amid calls of boycott. Cricket Sports

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 amid calls for a boycott. ECB chair Richard Thompson, in a statement, confirmed that England will play the fixture against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore (Pakistan). “The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the International Cricket Council (ICC), our England Men’s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter, as well as considering how best the ECB can support those women cricketers who have fled Afghanistan. Also Read: Check match schedule, dates, venues and timings for all teams in Champions Trophy “Following this, we remain of the view that a co-ordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match, while we have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture," the statement read. What's happening in Afghanistan? Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 after the foreign troops departed, there's been a considerable change in policies, especially around women's rights. Under the Taliban rule, women are not allowed to participate in sports, among other things. Afghanistan women's cricket team members fled the country in August 2021 when the Taliban took over and have been fighting for their rights ever since. The ECB called the discrimination against women in Afghanistan a 'gender apartheid.' "What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid. At a cricketing level, when women’s and girls’ cricket is growing rapidly around the world it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further," the ECB release read.

2025 Champions Trophy: 'We can confirm that...,' England Cricket shares update on playing Afghanistan amid boycott calls

<p>After imposing archaic laws on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban is now looking forward to banning cricket, as per the latest reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the world of cricket, Afghanistan has been one of the fastest-growing teams. In the T20 World Cup matches in June, the team made it to the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time. The Afghan fans celebrated the win with fanfare on the streets of Kabul. The underdog story of Afghanistan-from being a crisis-hit country to winning matches against teams like Pakistan and Australia- has been a delightful journey to watch.</p>

<p>But if the latest reports are found to be true, this is bad news for all cricket fans around the world.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinwaj7jMeIAxXcS2wGHQ--Oo8QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinwaj7jMeIAxXcS2wGHQ--Oo8QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thank India for capacity building</a></p>

<p>According to reports, the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan - Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced a gradual ban on cricket. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this it is well-known that the Taliban spearheads Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban have already barred women from playing any sport in the country, it could be time for the male players to follow the same fate, bearing the brunt of the extremist regime.</p>

<p>Online sources on X claim that Akhunzada is not happy with the sport as he believes it has harmful effects, according to one X post by Visegrad 24. It is also being circulated on social media that playing cricket is against the Sharia Law, and there is a tussle between two factions in Afghanistan- one led by Akhunzada, and the other by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the brother of Anas Haqqani, who invested heavily in Afghanistan cricket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taliban chief Hibatullah announced a gradual ban on cricket, dispelling the claims that the Taliban has become more moderate than in the past. Many of the group’s apologists remain under the misguided belief that the Taliban is adopting a more moderate approach, but the ban on…</p>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1833970865559736332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced that he will introduce a gradual ban on cricket in the country.<br />
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The Taliban cleric believes cricket has harmful influence on the country and is against Sharia law. <a href="https://t.co/KyCMwAD259">pic.twitter.com/KyCMwAD259</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1833977517608464562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghanistani cricketers are also famous among Indian cricket lovers, especially players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Naveen-ul-Haq. These players are not only playing well for the national team but also their franchise teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bangladesh-tour-of-india-2024-full-schedule-streaming-squads-and-everything-you-need-to-know-759024">Bangladesh tour of India 2024: Full schedule, streaming, squads and everything you need to know</a></p>

<p>The Afghanistan team is currently in Greater Noida, India, where they were supposed to play a first-ever Test match against New Zealand. However, on Friday, September 13. The match&nbsp;got abandoned without a ball being bowled on any of the five days.</p>

<p>From sports to music, film and TV, the arts, and even hobbies, Afghanistan has been dragged back to something similar to the Stone Age. Cricket has been the one pursuit that has, so far, survived the regime. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for the moment that comes from the fact that none of the reports circulating online have been confirmed yet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After imposing archaic laws on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban is now looking forward to banning cricket, as per the latest reports. In the world of cricket, Afghanistan has been one of the fastest-growing teams.

After imposing archaic laws on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban is now looking forward to banning cricket, as per the latest reports. In the world of cricket, Afghanistan has been one of the fastest-growing teams. In the T20 World Cup matches in June, the team made it to the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time. The Afghan fans celebrated the win with fanfare on the streets of Kabul. The underdog story of Afghanistan-from being a crisis-hit country to winning matches against teams like Pakistan and Australia- has been a delightful journey to watch. But if the latest reports are found to be true, this is bad news for all cricket fans around the world. Also Read | T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thank India for capacity building According to reports, the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan - Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced a gradual ban on cricket. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this it is well-known that the Taliban spearheads Afghanistan. The Taliban have already barred women from playing any sport in the country, it could be time for the male players to follow the same fate, bearing the brunt of the extremist regime. Online sources on X claim that Akhunzada is not happy with the sport as he believes it has harmful effects, according to one X post by Visegrad 24. It is also being circulated on social media that playing cricket is against the Sharia Law, and there is a tussle between two factions in Afghanistan- one led by Akhunzada, and the other by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the brother of Anas Haqqani, who invested heavily in Afghanistan cricket. Taliban chief Hibatullah announced a gradual ban on cricket, dispelling the claims that the Taliban has become more moderate than in the past. Many of the group’s apologists remain under the misguided belief that the Taliban is adopting a more moderate approach, but the ban on… — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 11, 2024 × The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced that he will introduce a gradual ban on cricket in the country. The Taliban cleric believes cricket has harmful influence on the country and is against Sharia law. pic.twitter.com/KyCMwAD259 — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 11, 2024 × Afghanistani cricketers are also famous among Indian cricket lovers, especially players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Naveen-ul-Haq. These players are not only playing well for the national team but also their franchise teams. Also Read | Bangladesh tour of India 2024: Full schedule, streaming, squads and everything you need to know The Afghanistan team is currently in Greater Noida, India, where they were supposed to play a first-ever Test match against New Zealand. However, on Friday, September 13. The match got abandoned without a ball being bowled on any of the five days. From sports to music, film and TV, the arts, and even hobbies, Afghanistan has been dragged back to something similar to the Stone Age. Cricket has been the one pursuit that has, so far, survived the regime. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for the moment that comes from the fact that none of the reports circulating online have been confirmed yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban could now ban all forms of cricket in Afghanistan: Reports

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<p>Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has minced no words in criticising the pitch used in Trinidad for the T20 World Cup semifinal match against South Africa on Wednesday (Jun 26). Afghanistan were flattened by the South African bowling unit on a pitch that offered a lot to the bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Afghanistan were bundled out for a paltry score of 56 runs, the lowest total a side has ever managed in a T20 WC semi-final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't want to get myself into trouble. But I also don't want to sound a bit like 'sour grapes' but that's not the pitch that you want to have a semi-final of a World Cup on. Plain and simple," said Trott after the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It should be a fair contest. I'm not saying it should be completely flat with no spin and seam movement, you shouldn't have batters worrying about moving forward and having the ball fly over their head. You should be confident in getting through the line or use their skills. And T20 is all about attacking and scoring runs and taking wickets. Not looking to survive," he added.</p>

<p>The former England player said if the opposition had bowled well using their skill, it would have been acceptable, but the nature of the pitch rendered batting an almost impossible task.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/south-africa-storm-into-maiden-t20-world-cup-final-with-massive-win-over-afghanistan-735496" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;South Africa storm into maiden T20 World Cup final with massive win over Afghanistan</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nerves get to Afghanistan</strong></h2>

<p>Afghanistan, playing the first knockout match in their relatively brief cricketing history, perhaps could not deal with the nerves as well as the short turnaround time. The Afghan side had played their last Super 8 match against Bangladesh on Monday (Jun 24) and had to contend with a flight delay before arriving in Trinidad where they did not get any time for practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for South Africa, Marco Jansen was the star&nbsp;with the ball as he started the procession of Afghan batters who could not survive on the pitch that aided pace bowling. Jansen was ably supported by the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, who forced the Afghanistan capitulation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-numbers-game-sa-achieve-historic-feats-with-semifinal-win-afghanistan-attain-unwanted-records-735533" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;T20 WC: NUMBERS GAME - SA achieve HISTORIC feat with semifinal win, Afghanistan attain unwanted records</a></strong></p>

<p>Afghanistan had come into the semifinal on the back of a heroic win against the Bangla Tigers. Not many would have predicted the Afghan side to reach the semifinals but the team, led by Rashid Khan showed exemplary courage and doggedness to beat the odds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has minced no words in criticising the pitch used in Trinidad for the T20 World Cup semifinal match against South Africa on Wednesday (Jun 26).

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has minced no words in criticising the pitch used in Trinidad for the T20 World Cup semifinal match against South Africa on Wednesday (Jun 26). Afghanistan were flattened by the South African bowling unit on a pitch that offered a lot to the bowlers. Batting first, Afghanistan were bundled out for a paltry score of 56 runs, the lowest total a side has ever managed in a T20 WC semi-final. "I don't want to get myself into trouble. But I also don't want to sound a bit like 'sour grapes' but that's not the pitch that you want to have a semi-final of a World Cup on. Plain and simple," said Trott after the match. "It should be a fair contest. I'm not saying it should be completely flat with no spin and seam movement, you shouldn't have batters worrying about moving forward and having the ball fly over their head. You should be confident in getting through the line or use their skills. And T20 is all about attacking and scoring runs and taking wickets. Not looking to survive," he added. The former England player said if the opposition had bowled well using their skill, it would have been acceptable, but the nature of the pitch rendered batting an almost impossible task. Also read | South Africa storm into maiden T20 World Cup final with massive win over Afghanistan Nerves get to Afghanistan Afghanistan, playing the first knockout match in their relatively brief cricketing history, perhaps could not deal with the nerves as well as the short turnaround time. The Afghan side had played their last Super 8 match against Bangladesh on Monday (Jun 24) and had to contend with a flight delay before arriving in Trinidad where they did not get any time for practice. As for South Africa, Marco Jansen was the star with the ball as he started the procession of Afghan batters who could not survive on the pitch that aided pace bowling. Jansen was ably supported by the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, who forced the Afghanistan capitulation. Also read | T20 WC: NUMBERS GAME - SA achieve HISTORIC feat with semifinal win, Afghanistan attain unwanted records Afghanistan had come into the semifinal on the back of a heroic win against the Bangla Tigers. Not many would have predicted the Afghan side to reach the semifinals but the team, led by Rashid Khan showed exemplary courage and doggedness to beat the odds. (With inputs from agencies)

'Don't want to get into trouble but...': Coach Trott slams Trinidad pitch after Afghanistan's T20 WC exit

<p>After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the start of the tournament, Afghanistan has been a force to reckon with, but Tuesday’s match sealed their maiden spot in the semifinal of the men’s senior World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-its-not-afghanistan-captain-rashid-khan-on-gulbadin-naibs-cramps-during-bangladesh-tie-734982">T20 WC: 'It's not...' - Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan on Gulbadin Naib's cramps during Bangladesh tie</a></p>

<p>In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He spoke to Rashid Khan over a video call and sent his wishes for a historic win against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Minister of FAA, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spoke with Rashid Khan, captain of the Afghan national cricket team, congratulating them on their recent achievements. Muttaqi reiterated full support for the team and thanked Rashid Khan for shining Afg's name on the global stage. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/kS3Dg02zGP">pic.twitter.com/kS3Dg02zGP</a></p>
— Taliban Public Relations Department (@TalibansPRD) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalibansPRD/status/1805540682335240481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking about their achievement after the game, Rashid made an emotional speech thanking the fans for their continued support.</p>

<p>"I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>"And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis," he added.</p>

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<p>As the commentator said during the live match post-Afghanistan win, “From Kandahar to Kabul, whole of Afghanistan will celebrate today.”</p>

<p>Indeed there was no doubt about it.</p>

<p>Celebrations erupted in Afghanistan as thrilled Afghan cricket fans took to the streets to celebrate this historic win.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/MyYrAcFidr">pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1805500809905684877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/MyYrAcFidr">pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1805500809905684877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rashid Khan and Co. have set their eyes on the semi-final berth as Bangladesh remains the last hurdle in their way to book a spot for the last-four match against South Africa.</p>

<p>Bangladesh, on the other hand, has already given up. Although they do have a chance of progressing to the semifinals, back-to-back defeats against Australia and India deflated their confidence.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969">T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan Cricket Soars, Taliban Thanks India for Capacity Building</a></p>

<p>"To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-finals anymore after this loss (against India)," senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Now, Afghanistan faces uncharted territory as they prepare to take on the formidable South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27.</p>

<p>In the other semifinal, India will clash with defending champions England on Thursday evening.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh.

After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh. Since the start of the tournament, Afghanistan has been a force to reckon with, but Tuesday’s match sealed their maiden spot in the semifinal of the men’s senior World Cup. Also Read | T20 WC: 'It's not...' - Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan on Gulbadin Naib's cramps during Bangladesh tie In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. He spoke to Rashid Khan over a video call and sent his wishes for a historic win against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh. Minister of FAA, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spoke with Rashid Khan, captain of the Afghan national cricket team, congratulating them on their recent achievements. Muttaqi reiterated full support for the team and thanked Rashid Khan for shining Afg's name on the global stage. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/kS3Dg02zGP — Taliban Public Relations Department (@TalibansPRD) June 25, 2024 × Talking about their achievement after the game, Rashid made an emotional speech thanking the fans for their continued support. "I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post-match press conference. "And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × As the commentator said during the live match post-Afghanistan win, “From Kandahar to Kabul, whole of Afghanistan will celebrate today.” Indeed there was no doubt about it. Celebrations erupted in Afghanistan as thrilled Afghan cricket fans took to the streets to celebrate this historic win. The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024 × The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024 × Rashid Khan and Co. have set their eyes on the semi-final berth as Bangladesh remains the last hurdle in their way to book a spot for the last-four match against South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has already given up. Although they do have a chance of progressing to the semifinals, back-to-back defeats against Australia and India deflated their confidence. Also Read | T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan Cricket Soars, Taliban Thanks India for Capacity Building "To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-finals anymore after this loss (against India)," senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said on Saturday. Now, Afghanistan faces uncharted territory as they prepare to take on the formidable South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27. In the other semifinal, India will clash with defending champions England on Thursday evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban congratulate Rashid Khan after Afghanistan made history by making it to T20 WC semifinal | Video

<p>Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has backed Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan's stance that the two nations should be playing bilateral cricket. Khawaja's stand is juxtaposed to Cricket Australia who has refused to play against the trouble-torn&nbsp;nation.</p>

<p>The reason behind Australia's refusal to play cricket with Afghanistan is 'deteriorating conditions of women and human rights' after takeover of Taliban following USA's exit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I personally think yes we should be playing Afghanistan," Khawaja told Nine Newspapers at event in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/win-an-icc-event-or-face-axe-gautam-gambhirs-one-of-several-conditions-for-india-coach-job-report-734648">Win an ICC event or face axe – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘one of several conditions’ for India coach job - Report</a></p>

<p>"I am sympathetic to both sides of the puzzle. I totally respect and agree with a lot of aspects of the stance Cricket Australia has in terms of women's cricket in Afghanistan, but there's also another side to it, of promoting and growing the game.</p>

<p>"This is the second time Australia have backed out of a bilateral series, and I talked to Rashid Khan. He was really disappointed, more so because the Afghanistan people love cricket, and for them cricket is one of the few things they enjoy and brings happiness, and the fact they were going to play Australia was going to be huge, and they don't get to see that now. So it actually hurts the people, and the people are separate from the government," he added.</p>

<p>The comments come after Afghan skipper Rashid said 'there's no solution' to Australia's refusal to play bilateral cricket with the Asian country.</p>

<p>The two teams, however, keep meeting in ICC event, most recently in the ongoing T20 World Cup where Afghanistan came out as winner in a humdinger of a match. Afghans had come close to beating Australia in last year's ODI World Cup as well but Glenn Maxwell's extra-ordinary innings saw the eventual champions power through.</p>

<p>Currently, Afghanistan have an outside chance to making it to the semis of 2024 T20 WC, given they beat Bangladesh and Australia lose to India in their last Super 8 stage match.</p>


Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has backed Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan's stance that the two nations should be playing bilateral cricket. Khawaja's stand is juxtaposed to Cricket Australia who has refused to play against the trouble-torn nation.

Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has backed Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan's stance that the two nations should be playing bilateral cricket. Khawaja's stand is juxtaposed to Cricket Australia who has refused to play against the trouble-torn nation. The reason behind Australia's refusal to play cricket with Afghanistan is 'deteriorating conditions of women and human rights' after takeover of Taliban following USA's exit. "I personally think yes we should be playing Afghanistan," Khawaja told Nine Newspapers at event in Melbourne. Also Read: Win an ICC event or face axe – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘one of several conditions’ for India coach job - Report "I am sympathetic to both sides of the puzzle. I totally respect and agree with a lot of aspects of the stance Cricket Australia has in terms of women's cricket in Afghanistan, but there's also another side to it, of promoting and growing the game. "This is the second time Australia have backed out of a bilateral series, and I talked to Rashid Khan. He was really disappointed, more so because the Afghanistan people love cricket, and for them cricket is one of the few things they enjoy and brings happiness, and the fact they were going to play Australia was going to be huge, and they don't get to see that now. So it actually hurts the people, and the people are separate from the government," he added. The comments come after Afghan skipper Rashid said 'there's no solution' to Australia's refusal to play bilateral cricket with the Asian country. The two teams, however, keep meeting in ICC event, most recently in the ongoing T20 World Cup where Afghanistan came out as winner in a humdinger of a match. Afghans had come close to beating Australia in last year's ODI World Cup as well but Glenn Maxwell's extra-ordinary innings saw the eventual champions power through. Currently, Afghanistan have an outside chance to making it to the semis of 2024 T20 WC, given they beat Bangladesh and Australia lose to India in their last Super 8 stage match.

Aussie Usman Khawaja in favor of 'playing bilateral cricket' vs Afghanistan against Cricket Australia's stance

<p>On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country&nbsp;under Taliban rule. This is the third time that Australia have cancelled a bilateral series versus the Rashid Khan starrer Afghanistan since 2021. The Asian country has been under Taliban rule for almost three years now which has affected the cricketing relations between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Australia cancelled a one-off Test match&nbsp;in November 2021. In 2023,&nbsp;they withdrew from a three-match ODI series&nbsp;as well. It was set to be hosted by Afghanistan at a neutral venue, in the UAE.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-trouble-for-ms-dhonis-csk-mustafizur-rahman-stretchered-off-field-during-ban-sl-3rd-odi-701537">IPL 2024: Trouble for MS Dhoni's CSK! Mustafizur Rahman stretchered off field during Ban-SL 3rd ODI</a></strong></p>

<p>CA&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;announced that the decision to postpone the bilateral series came after talks with the Australian government. The board stated that the assessment from the Australian government is "that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse".&nbsp;Notably, Afghanistan remain the only full member of the International Cricket Council without a women's team at the senior level.</p>

<p>A statement from CA read, "For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," a statement from the board read. It added, "CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future."</p>

<h2><strong>Australia vs Afghanistan -- An underrated rivalry!</strong></h2>

<p>Over the years, Afghanistan and Australia have been involved in some thrilling contests. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Aaron Finch-led Australia survived a huge scare when they were up against the Afghans, in Adelaide, during their league&nbsp;match. Back then, the then defending champions Australia won by 4 runs in defence of 168/8. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, both sides squared off in match 39 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite Afghans posting a competitive 291-5, courtesy of Ibrahim Zadran's 129*, and reducing the Aussies to 91 for 7, Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out took the Pat Cummins-led side past the finish line for a three-wicket win.&nbsp;</p>


On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country under Taliban rule.

On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country under Taliban rule. This is the third time that Australia have cancelled a bilateral series versus the Rashid Khan starrer Afghanistan since 2021. The Asian country has been under Taliban rule for almost three years now which has affected the cricketing relations between the two nations. Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Australia cancelled a one-off Test match in November 2021. In 2023, they withdrew from a three-match ODI series as well. It was set to be hosted by Afghanistan at a neutral venue, in the UAE. Also read: IPL 2024: Trouble for MS Dhoni's CSK! Mustafizur Rahman stretchered off field during Ban-SL 3rd ODI CA on Tuesday announced that the decision to postpone the bilateral series came after talks with the Australian government. The board stated that the assessment from the Australian government is "that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse". Notably, Afghanistan remain the only full member of the International Cricket Council without a women's team at the senior level. A statement from CA read, "For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," a statement from the board read. It added, "CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future." Australia vs Afghanistan -- An underrated rivalry! Over the years, Afghanistan and Australia have been involved in some thrilling contests. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Aaron Finch-led Australia survived a huge scare when they were up against the Afghans, in Adelaide, during their league match. Back then, the then defending champions Australia won by 4 runs in defence of 168/8. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, both sides squared off in match 39 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite Afghans posting a competitive 291-5, courtesy of Ibrahim Zadran's 129*, and reducing the Aussies to 91 for 7, Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out took the Pat Cummins-led side past the finish line for a three-wicket win.

Cricket Australia postpones T20I series vs Afghanistan citing concerns over women's rights in country

<p>Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan hit a sensational no-look six during the second T20I in the ongoing three-match series against Ireland on Sunday (Mar 17) in Sharjah, UAE. Rashid scored 25 off 12 balls as Afghanistan posted 152/9 in 20 overs despite being 14/4 at one stage.</p>

<p>The six came on the last ball of the 18th over off Ireland's Barry McCarthy. The bowler sent down a full toss which dipped on Rashid who scooped the ball for a six towards fine-leg. Have a look at the shot below:</p>

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<p>Apart from Rashid, veteran all-rounder Mohammed Nabi also scored 59 off 38 to rescue Afghanistan from a precarious position. Apart from Nabi and Rashid, opener Sediqullah Atal also chipped in with 35 off 32 balls. For Ireland, Mark Adair picked 3/27 in four overs while Josh Little and McCarthy picked one each.</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-final-rcbs-sophie-molineux-bowls-sensational-triple-wicket-over-vs-dc-watch-701361">WPL 2024, Final: RCB's Sophie Molineux bowls sensational triple-wicket over vs DC</a></p>

<p>Chasing 153, Ireland had a great start as openers Andy Balbirnie (45 off 44) and Paul Stirling (24 off 15) scored 49 for the first wicket. Once Stirling was removed by Nangeyalia Kharote, who took 2/23, Ireland lost the bearings with wickets at regular intervals.</p>

<p>Rashid shined with the ball too as he dealt a double blow to Ireland by removing Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector on consecutive balls in the ninth over. The Afghan spinner then picked the wickets of George Dockrell and Mark Adair to finish with 4/14 in four overs.</p>

<p>Gareth Delany kept the fight on for Ireland with a handy 18-ball 39 but the efforts were eventually rendered futile. Afghanistan stopped Ireland on 142/8 in 20 overs and won the game by 10 runs. Rashid was named Player of the Match for his performance as well.</p>

<p>With the win, Afghanistan equalled the three-match series 1-1 with the final game&nbsp;scheduled to be played on Monday (Mar 18).</p>


Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan hit a sensational no-look six during the second T20I in the ongoing three-match series against Ireland on Sunday (Mar 17) in Sharjah, UAE.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan hit a sensational no-look six during the second T20I in the ongoing three-match series against Ireland on Sunday (Mar 17) in Sharjah, UAE. Rashid scored 25 off 12 balls as Afghanistan posted 152/9 in 20 overs despite being 14/4 at one stage. The six came on the last ball of the 18th over off Ireland's Barry McCarthy. The bowler sent down a full toss which dipped on Rashid who scooped the ball for a six towards fine-leg. Have a look at the shot below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashid Khan (@rashid.khan19) × Apart from Rashid, veteran all-rounder Mohammed Nabi also scored 59 off 38 to rescue Afghanistan from a precarious position. Apart from Nabi and Rashid, opener Sediqullah Atal also chipped in with 35 off 32 balls. For Ireland, Mark Adair picked 3/27 in four overs while Josh Little and McCarthy picked one each. Also Watch: WPL 2024, Final: RCB's Sophie Molineux bowls sensational triple-wicket over vs DC Chasing 153, Ireland had a great start as openers Andy Balbirnie (45 off 44) and Paul Stirling (24 off 15) scored 49 for the first wicket. Once Stirling was removed by Nangeyalia Kharote, who took 2/23, Ireland lost the bearings with wickets at regular intervals. Rashid shined with the ball too as he dealt a double blow to Ireland by removing Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector on consecutive balls in the ninth over. The Afghan spinner then picked the wickets of George Dockrell and Mark Adair to finish with 4/14 in four overs. Gareth Delany kept the fight on for Ireland with a handy 18-ball 39 but the efforts were eventually rendered futile. Afghanistan stopped Ireland on 142/8 in 20 overs and won the game by 10 runs. Rashid was named Player of the Match for his performance as well. With the win, Afghanistan equalled the three-match series 1-1 with the final game scheduled to be played on Monday (Mar 18).

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan hits NO LOOK six against Ireland in T20I - WATCH

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<p>Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) all-rounder&nbsp;(LSG) Naveen-ul-Haq has opened up on the heated battle between him and Virat Kohli during the last season of IPL which eventually escalated with Gautam Gambhir getting involved in the proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naveen and Kohli had exchanged some words in the middle which angered Gambhir who sided with his team member, leading to players from both camps coming out to separate the former Indian teammates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to <em>ZalmiTV,</em> Naveen revealed that the seeds of the tussle were laid in the previous match between the two sides in Bengaluru where the Lucknow-based franchise won and that Gambhir later got 'carried away'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We went to play our away match in Bengaluru. That's where it all started. We won that game - it was very close – so one of our players [Avesh Khan] threw the helmet in excitement after scoring the winning runs," said Naveen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Virat Kohli probably didn't like it. Next, their team came to Lucknow. I think I went out to bat at No. 9 or 10 and we had pretty much lost the game by then," he added.</p>

<p>"So, I didn't expect that I would be sledged. But when it happened, like I said, when someone starts, I can't hold back. After the game, things continued during the handshake too. The sledging came from two guys – Kohli and Mohammed Siraj."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naveen-ul-haq-makes-sensational-claim-against-virat-kohli-it-wasnt-me-stst-605448"><strong>Also read | Naveen-ul-Haq makes sensational claim against Virat Kohli: ‘It wasn’t me’</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Gambhir overreacted&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the podcast, Naveen, who retired from ODIs and Test cricket last year, added that Gambhir had an overreaction when he made the shush gesture in Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Gautam Gambhir got carried away because in the previous game, when we needed 1 off 1, one of their bowlers wanted to run the non-striker out while running in to bowl. It was the last wicket. It got heated because the bowler missed taking the bails off."</p>

<p>After he spat, the three cricketers were handed heavy fines. Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100 per cent of their match fees while Naveen had to forego 50 per cent of his match fee. IPL also released a statement conveying that Kohli and Gambhir confessed to having committed a Level 2 offence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-watch-virat-kohli-and-naveen-ul-haq-close-ipl-fight-with-hug-during-india-vs-afghanistan-645660"><strong>Watch | ODI World Cup 2023&nbsp;- Virat Kohli and Naveen ul Haq close IPL fight with hug during India vs Afghanistan</strong></a></p>

<p>However, during the ODI World Cup match in New Delhi in October last year, Kohli and Naveen hugged each other with a smile and buried the hatchet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) all-rounder (LSG) Naveen-ul-Haq has opened up on the heated battle between him and Virat Kohli during the last season of IPL which eventually escalated with Gautam Gambhir getting involved in the proceedings.

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) all-rounder (LSG) Naveen-ul-Haq has opened up on the heated battle between him and Virat Kohli during the last season of IPL which eventually escalated with Gautam Gambhir getting involved in the proceedings. Naveen and Kohli had exchanged some words in the middle which angered Gambhir who sided with his team member, leading to players from both camps coming out to separate the former Indian teammates. Speaking to ZalmiTV, Naveen revealed that the seeds of the tussle were laid in the previous match between the two sides in Bengaluru where the Lucknow-based franchise won and that Gambhir later got 'carried away'. "We went to play our away match in Bengaluru. That's where it all started. We won that game - it was very close – so one of our players [Avesh Khan] threw the helmet in excitement after scoring the winning runs," said Naveen. "Virat Kohli probably didn't like it. Next, their team came to Lucknow. I think I went out to bat at No. 9 or 10 and we had pretty much lost the game by then," he added. "So, I didn't expect that I would be sledged. But when it happened, like I said, when someone starts, I can't hold back. After the game, things continued during the handshake too. The sledging came from two guys – Kohli and Mohammed Siraj." Also read | Naveen-ul-Haq makes sensational claim against Virat Kohli: ‘It wasn’t me’ Gambhir overreacted In the podcast, Naveen, who retired from ODIs and Test cricket last year, added that Gambhir had an overreaction when he made the shush gesture in Bengaluru. "Gautam Gambhir got carried away because in the previous game, when we needed 1 off 1, one of their bowlers wanted to run the non-striker out while running in to bowl. It was the last wicket. It got heated because the bowler missed taking the bails off." After he spat, the three cricketers were handed heavy fines. Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100 per cent of their match fees while Naveen had to forego 50 per cent of his match fee. IPL also released a statement conveying that Kohli and Gambhir confessed to having committed a Level 2 offence. Watch | ODI World Cup 2023 - Virat Kohli and Naveen ul Haq close IPL fight with hug during India vs Afghanistan However, during the ODI World Cup match in New Delhi in October last year, Kohli and Naveen hugged each other with a smile and buried the hatchet. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He got carried away’: Naveen-ul-Haq opens up on his spat with Virat Kohli

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter. Rohit reached his hundred in the 19th over and finished unbeaten on 121 as India scored 212/4 in 20 overs.</p>

<p>Earlier, Afghanistan stunned India with four quick wickets for four runs in inside the first five overs. The wickets involved star batter Virat Kohli, last two games' hero Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Among the four wickets, Kohli and Samson fell for first-ball ducks while Dube managed just one run and Jaiswal went back after scoring four runs. This was also Kohli's first golden duck in T20Is.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-skipper-shaheen-afridi-praises-babar-azam-despite-losing-t20i-series-against-new-zealand-680903">Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand</a></p>

<p>For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed was the destroyer-in-chief, accounting for three of four wickets. Ahmed first dismissed Jaiswal on the third ball of&nbsp;the third over before sending back Kohli on the very next ball. Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the party with the wicket of Dube on the last ball of the next over as India lost the third wicket with just 21 runs on the board.</p>

<p>Ahmed came back in the next over and sent back Samson on the third ball. The pacer's figures read 3/10 in three overs by the time he was taken out of the attack.</p>

<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma, however, continued to bat at the other end. Rinku Singh came to bat at number six and stemmed the fall of wickets. The duo took India past 50 in 8.4 overs to bring some stability to the innings which was falling apart quickly. Rohit and Rinku also brought up their fifty partnership in 41 balls and took India past 100 in the 14 over without the loss of anymore wickets.</p>

<p>In between, Rohit also reached his 30th T20I fifty with a four in the 13th over. The pair crossed the 100-run partnership in the 16th over with Rinku contributing 36 runs to it and finished unbeaten on 69 off just 39 balls. In the last two overs, India scored 58 runs as Afghanistan could not sustain the pressure.</p>


India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter.

India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter. Rohit reached his hundred in the 19th over and finished unbeaten on 121 as India scored 212/4 in 20 overs. Earlier, Afghanistan stunned India with four quick wickets for four runs in inside the first five overs. The wickets involved star batter Virat Kohli, last two games' hero Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Among the four wickets, Kohli and Samson fell for first-ball ducks while Dube managed just one run and Jaiswal went back after scoring four runs. This was also Kohli's first golden duck in T20Is. Also Read: Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed was the destroyer-in-chief, accounting for three of four wickets. Ahmed first dismissed Jaiswal on the third ball of the third over before sending back Kohli on the very next ball. Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the party with the wicket of Dube on the last ball of the next over as India lost the third wicket with just 21 runs on the board. Ahmed came back in the next over and sent back Samson on the third ball. The pacer's figures read 3/10 in three overs by the time he was taken out of the attack. Skipper Rohit Sharma, however, continued to bat at the other end. Rinku Singh came to bat at number six and stemmed the fall of wickets. The duo took India past 50 in 8.4 overs to bring some stability to the innings which was falling apart quickly. Rohit and Rinku also brought up their fifty partnership in 41 balls and took India past 100 in the 14 over without the loss of anymore wickets. In between, Rohit also reached his 30th T20I fifty with a four in the 13th over. The pair crossed the 100-run partnership in the 16th over with Rinku contributing 36 runs to it and finished unbeaten on 69 off just 39 balls. In the last two overs, India scored 58 runs as Afghanistan could not sustain the pressure.

Rohit hits record fifth hundred after Afghanistan stun India with four wickets for four runs in third T20I

<p>Afghanistan have recalled spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. Mujeeb was not part of Afghanistan's last T20I series in UAE. The spinner was playing in Australia's domestic T20 tournament Big Bash League (BBL) for Melbourne Renegades. His trip, however, was cut short after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No Objection Certificate (NoC).</p>

<p>Mujeeb, along with pacers Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi got their eligibility to play in global T20 leagues suspended on December 25 last year. The ACB had done so as the trio of bowlers expressed desire to not sign the central contracts in order to play globally. The board has also stopped them from playing in foreign franchise tournaments for the next two years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-legend-backs-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-to-feature-in-2024-t20-world-cup-677267">Indian legend backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to feature in 2024 T20 World Cup</a></p>

<p>While Farooqi and Naveen featured in the T20I series against UAE which Afghanistan won 2-1, Mujeeb will be playing his first T20I since July 2023. The series, which starts on January 11, is Afghanistan's first bilateral assignment against India.</p>

<p>Speaking on the occasion, Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB chairman, said in a statement: "We are delighted to be embarking on our maiden tour to India for a three-match series. India is the top-ranked side in the world and it's very pleasing to witness AfghanAtalan competing in a three-match T20I against them. We believe that AfghanAtalan are no longer underdogs &amp; have excelled well in the recent past and we look forward to a highly competitive series against India."</p>

<p>Ibrahim Zadran, who led Afghanistan against against UAE, will also be leading the side in India. Zadran has been given the responsibility as Rashid Khan, the designated T20I skipper, continues to recover from a back surgery. Khan, however, has been included in the 19-member squad.</p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan squad:&nbsp;</strong>Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.</p>


Afghanistan have recalled spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. Mujeeb was not part of Afghanistan's last T20I series in UAE.

Afghanistan have recalled spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. Mujeeb was not part of Afghanistan's last T20I series in UAE. The spinner was playing in Australia's domestic T20 tournament Big Bash League (BBL) for Melbourne Renegades. His trip, however, was cut short after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No Objection Certificate (NoC). Mujeeb, along with pacers Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi got their eligibility to play in global T20 leagues suspended on December 25 last year. The ACB had done so as the trio of bowlers expressed desire to not sign the central contracts in order to play globally. The board has also stopped them from playing in foreign franchise tournaments for the next two years. Also Read: Indian legend backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to feature in 2024 T20 World Cup While Farooqi and Naveen featured in the T20I series against UAE which Afghanistan won 2-1, Mujeeb will be playing his first T20I since July 2023. The series, which starts on January 11, is Afghanistan's first bilateral assignment against India. Speaking on the occasion, Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB chairman, said in a statement: "We are delighted to be embarking on our maiden tour to India for a three-match series. India is the top-ranked side in the world and it's very pleasing to witness AfghanAtalan competing in a three-match T20I against them. We believe that AfghanAtalan are no longer underdogs & have excelled well in the recent past and we look forward to a highly competitive series against India." Ibrahim Zadran, who led Afghanistan against against UAE, will also be leading the side in India. Zadran has been given the responsibility as Rashid Khan, the designated T20I skipper, continues to recover from a back surgery. Khan, however, has been included in the 19-member squad. Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.

Afghanistan recall spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for T20I series against India

<p>Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned by the United Arab Emirates-based ILT20 for 20 months. The ban comes after Naveen failed to sign the retention agreement with Sharjah Warriors - the side for which he played in 2023. The ban bars Naveen from taking part in two seasons, 2024 which is scheduled to played in January-February and 2025 as well.</p>

<p>The dispute arose after the Warriors, who had signed Naveen for the 2023 season, sent him a retention notice earlier this year but the Afghan refused to sign it, said a IT20 statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sharjah Warriors approached the ILT20 to intervene in this dispute. The ILT20 first initiated a mediation process through an independent third-party mediator, however the mediation failed," the statement read further.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-likely-to-start-from-march-22-final-dates-after-2024-general-election-polling-dates-confirmation-670947">IPL 2024 likely to start from March 22; final dates after 2024 general election polling dates confirmation</a></p>

<p>"We do not take pride in making this announcement but all parties are expected to comply with their contractual commitments and recognise that non-compliance can cause damage to the other party," ILT20 chief executive David White said, who is also a member of the league's disciplinary committee.<br />
<br />
"Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq failed to honour his contractual obligations with the Sharjah Warriors and as such the league had no option but to impose this 20-month ban on him."</p>

<p>"The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions," he further added.</p>

<p>The fast bowler, however, has signed with the Durban's Super Giants to play in SA20 - South Africa's domestic T20 tournament. The side is owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants, of which Naveen is already a part.</p>

<p>The SA20 will be played almost concurrently with the ILT20 and Naveen will now take part in that. He will also be playing in the IPL which is expected to be played from March 22 next year.</p>


Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned by the United Arab Emirates-based ILT20 for 20 months. The ban comes after Naveen failed to sign the retention agreement with Sharjah Warriors - the side for which he played in 2023.

Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned by the United Arab Emirates-based ILT20 for 20 months. The ban comes after Naveen failed to sign the retention agreement with Sharjah Warriors - the side for which he played in 2023. The ban bars Naveen from taking part in two seasons, 2024 which is scheduled to played in January-February and 2025 as well. The dispute arose after the Warriors, who had signed Naveen for the 2023 season, sent him a retention notice earlier this year but the Afghan refused to sign it, said a IT20 statement. "Sharjah Warriors approached the ILT20 to intervene in this dispute. The ILT20 first initiated a mediation process through an independent third-party mediator, however the mediation failed," the statement read further. Also Read: IPL 2024 likely to start from March 22; final dates after 2024 general election polling dates confirmation "We do not take pride in making this announcement but all parties are expected to comply with their contractual commitments and recognise that non-compliance can cause damage to the other party," ILT20 chief executive David White said, who is also a member of the league's disciplinary committee. "Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq failed to honour his contractual obligations with the Sharjah Warriors and as such the league had no option but to impose this 20-month ban on him." "The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions," he further added. The fast bowler, however, has signed with the Durban's Super Giants to play in SA20 - South Africa's domestic T20 tournament. The side is owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants, of which Naveen is already a part. The SA20 will be played almost concurrently with the ILT20 and Naveen will now take part in that. He will also be playing in the IPL which is expected to be played from March 22 next year.

Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq banned by ILT20 for 20 months for failing to sign retention agreement

<p>When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket.</p>

<p>But the current Cricket World Cup season is different.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup.</p>

<p><img alt="Delhi Arun Jaitley Stadium spectators during Afg Vs Eng match | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b45d79f6-f1ee-4bd9-a1e7-f7a85268400e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T175532.201.png" /></p>

<p><em>A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's&nbsp;definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.<img alt="Ajay Jadeja being given handcrafted Afghan Carpet and Authentic Afghan Saffron by Afghanistan | X/@ACBOfficials" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55b064c9-4e1c-4a49-a722-d89bee32da77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T174103.061.png" /><em>Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with&nbsp;handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023&nbsp;| X/@ACBOfficials</em></p>

<h2><strong>Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes</strong></h2>

<p>Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores.</p>

<h2><strong>Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression</strong></h2>

<p>During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Afghan women's rights</a> under Taliban rule, I came in touch with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">a number of brave Afghan women</a> who continue to defy the regime in different ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team.</p>

<p>When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time, more fireworks rose in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28135807-3592-4747-b142-f5ce24434903" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T172556.254.png" /></p>

<p><em>Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION</em></p>

<p>"It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added.<img alt="Afghanistan cricket team greets spectators at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Oct 23, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0a0524e-ff7b-41f6-989c-f1088e9830ed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173020.483.png" /></p>

<p><em>Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan&nbsp;during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory.<img alt="Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94ac7895-91d7-4faf-92d5-effbd0c5a4fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173639.264.png" /> <em>Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP</em></p>

<p>That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">a former law student</a> forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage.

When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible. Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket. But the current Cricket World Cup season is different. India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup. A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan. Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023 | X/@ACBOfficials Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat. Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan. Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores. Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to Afghan women's rights under Taliban rule, I came in touch with a number of brave Afghan women who continue to defy the regime in different ways. Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees. But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other. Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team. When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric. This time, more fireworks rose in the air. Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION "It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad. "There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added. Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory. Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), a former law student forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears. But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart. Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage. The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

How 2023 Cricket World Cup became an Eid-like festival in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

<p>Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi has called for ODIs and Tests against top teams for his side in order for them to improve further. Afghanistan have been a revelation in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with wins over Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and almost Australia as well.</p>

<p>Talking ahead of their last league match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, Shahidi said: "Fifty-over cricket is also important. Right now, there are too many leagues, too much T20 cricket and I think 50-overs and Test cricket is more important. If we have those games, we will definitely improve more. We are expecting our cricket board and ICC to give us more matches for our improvement."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allan-donald-to-step-down-as-bangladeshs-bowling-coach-following-world-cup-2023-657064">Allan Donald to step down as Bangladesh’s bowling coach following World Cup debacle</a></p>

<p>Afghanistan have shown a lot of improvement in ODIs and with their four wins in eight games so far, they have also qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they cannot finish lower than sixth position on the points table.</p>

<p>The lure of global T20 leagues, however, means that the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP) calendar becomes leaner for ODIs. Afghanistan, in the next cycle, are scheduled to play 33 ODIs but none against Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, England and New Zealand.</p>

<p>Shahidi, however, hopes that it (ODIs against top teams) will happen.</p>

<p>"We have a cricket board and management and we are hoping they take a lot of series with other teams. There will be 50-over cricket. I am expecting that," he added.</p>

<p>As for the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes with seven down for 91 before Glenn Maxwell's heroic 201 not out took the Aussies home in the chase of 292. The loss daunted Afghanistan's semifinal chances severely but they still have an outside shot at it, provided they score a huge win against South Africa.</p>

<p>If they manage to beat Proteas by a huge margin, Afghanistan would also be hoping for Pakistan to lose against England as well to have the best shot at the top four. Pakistan play England on November 11 in the second-last league match of the ODI World Cup 2023.</p>


Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi has called for ODIs and Tests against top teams for his side in order for them to improve further. Afghanistan have been a revelation in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with wins over Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and almost Australia as well.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi has called for ODIs and Tests against top teams for his side in order for them to improve further. Afghanistan have been a revelation in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with wins over Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and almost Australia as well. Talking ahead of their last league match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, Shahidi said: "Fifty-over cricket is also important. Right now, there are too many leagues, too much T20 cricket and I think 50-overs and Test cricket is more important. If we have those games, we will definitely improve more. We are expecting our cricket board and ICC to give us more matches for our improvement." Also Read: Allan Donald to step down as Bangladesh’s bowling coach following World Cup debacle Afghanistan have shown a lot of improvement in ODIs and with their four wins in eight games so far, they have also qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they cannot finish lower than sixth position on the points table. The lure of global T20 leagues, however, means that the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP) calendar becomes leaner for ODIs. Afghanistan, in the next cycle, are scheduled to play 33 ODIs but none against Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, England and New Zealand. Shahidi, however, hopes that it (ODIs against top teams) will happen. "We have a cricket board and management and we are hoping they take a lot of series with other teams. There will be 50-over cricket. I am expecting that," he added. As for the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes with seven down for 91 before Glenn Maxwell's heroic 201 not out took the Aussies home in the chase of 292. The loss daunted Afghanistan's semifinal chances severely but they still have an outside shot at it, provided they score a huge win against South Africa. If they manage to beat Proteas by a huge margin, Afghanistan would also be hoping for Pakistan to lose against England as well to have the best shot at the top four. Pakistan play England on November 11 in the second-last league match of the ODI World Cup 2023.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi 'expecting' more Tests and ODIs against top teams post World Cup

<p>South&nbsp;Africa's David Miller hailed Afghanistan as "one of the joys of the World Cup" on Thursday but admitted thoughts were already turning towards their semi-final clash with Australia.</p>

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;have qualified for the last four with six wins and two losses in eight games while Afghanistan, their opponents in Ahmedabad on Friday, still harbour outside hopes of squeezing into the semi-finals.</p>

<p>"They've been really, really good to watch," said Miller of Afghanistan who have beaten defending champions England as well as former winners, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-how-can-pakistan-reach-odi-world-cup-semifinals-after-new-zealands-win-over-sri-lanka-657032">Explained: How can Pakistan reach ODI World Cup semifinals after New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka?</a></p>

<p>They were in touching distance of another major scalp on Tuesday when they had five-time champions Australia on the ropes before Glenn Maxwell launched his spectacular one-man rescue mission</p>

<p>"They're a team that's certainly growing in confidence. They've shown that they can compete. I mean this World Cup they've done really, really well, beaten some big teams."</p>

<p>He added: "It's been good to watch the Afghanistan group going the way that they have with the spinners that they've got, the batters up front.</p>

<p>"They have a chance to make the semifinals. That's the joy of the World Cup. You see different teams doing well, people that don't necessarily rate a certain team exceeding in a certain phase of the World Cup."</p>

<p>Miller hailed Maxwell's undefeated 201-run masterclass, achieved despite cramps and back spasms which forced him to attempt only boundaries as he pulled his team back from the brink of 91-7 in Mumbai on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Seeing a knock like that was really special," said Miller of Maxwell who he will face again in the semi-finals next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He's an X-Factor, a match winner. It was inspiring to see no foot movement there and still hitting sixes and fours. From a game where they were dead and buried."</p>

<p>Miller admitted players were excited at the prospect of a World Cup semi-final against Australia.</p>

<p>When they met in the group stage at Lucknow four weeks ago, Maxwell was out for three and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;romped to a 134-run victory.</p>

<p>"We played them before in the World Cup, so kind of a dress rehearsal there and we've played them quite a bit in the past," said Miller of the five-match home series on the eve of the World Cup that&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;won 3-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, we know what to expect.&nbsp;They're always a competitive team. They've got some incredible players and match winners amongst their team."</p>


South Africa's David Miller hailed Afghanistan as "one of the joys of the World Cup" on Thursday but admitted thoughts were already turning towards their semi-final clash with Australia.

South Africa's David Miller hailed Afghanistan as "one of the joys of the World Cup" on Thursday but admitted thoughts were already turning towards their semi-final clash with Australia. South Africa have qualified for the last four with six wins and two losses in eight games while Afghanistan, their opponents in Ahmedabad on Friday, still harbour outside hopes of squeezing into the semi-finals. "They've been really, really good to watch," said Miller of Afghanistan who have beaten defending champions England as well as former winners, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also Read: Explained: How can Pakistan reach ODI World Cup semifinals after New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka? They were in touching distance of another major scalp on Tuesday when they had five-time champions Australia on the ropes before Glenn Maxwell launched his spectacular one-man rescue mission "They're a team that's certainly growing in confidence. They've shown that they can compete. I mean this World Cup they've done really, really well, beaten some big teams." He added: "It's been good to watch the Afghanistan group going the way that they have with the spinners that they've got, the batters up front. "They have a chance to make the semifinals. That's the joy of the World Cup. You see different teams doing well, people that don't necessarily rate a certain team exceeding in a certain phase of the World Cup." Miller hailed Maxwell's undefeated 201-run masterclass, achieved despite cramps and back spasms which forced him to attempt only boundaries as he pulled his team back from the brink of 91-7 in Mumbai on Tuesday. "Seeing a knock like that was really special," said Miller of Maxwell who he will face again in the semi-finals next week. "He's an X-Factor, a match winner. It was inspiring to see no foot movement there and still hitting sixes and fours. From a game where they were dead and buried." Miller admitted players were excited at the prospect of a World Cup semi-final against Australia. When they met in the group stage at Lucknow four weeks ago, Maxwell was out for three and South Africa romped to a 134-run victory. "We played them before in the World Cup, so kind of a dress rehearsal there and we've played them quite a bit in the past," said Miller of the five-match home series on the eve of the World Cup that South Africa won 3-2. "So, we know what to expect. They're always a competitive team. They've got some incredible players and match winners amongst their team."

ODI World Cup 2023: South Africa face gritty Afghanistan with one eye on Australia

<p>Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in what was a dramatic encounter in match 38 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Nov 6) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bowl first, Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangla Tigers dismissed the Lankans for 279 in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka top-scoring with 108, and won the game in 41.3 overs courtesy of Shakib's 82 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 90.</p>

<p>With the result, Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan have officially qualified for the 2025 Champions Trophy to be held&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;Barring the hosts, the top seven&nbsp;teams from the ongoing World Cup&nbsp;will directly qualify to play in the next 50-over ICC tournament. Since&nbsp;Afghanistan are now set to finish in the seventh position, they will feature in their first-ever Champions Trophy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-utter-nonsense-michael-vaughan-slams-mohammad-hafeez-for-calling-virat-kohli-selfish-655978">'This is utter nonsense': Michael Vaughan SLAMS Mohammad Hafeez for calling Virat Kohli 'selfish'</a></strong></p>

<p>Afghanistan have had a dream run in this year's 50-over World Cup. After losing to Bangladesh in their tournament opener, the Afghans have fought well and defeated the likes of defending champions England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They take on five-time winners Australia in match 39 on Tuesday (Nov 7) at the&nbsp;Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounter, the contest was a controversial affair after Angelo Mathews became the first-ever batter to be timed out in international cricket. Following this, tempers were flying throughout the game which also saw players from both sides refusing to shake hands after the final result.</p>


Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in what was a dramatic encounter in match 38 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Nov 6) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in what was a dramatic encounter in match 38 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Nov 6) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bowl first, Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangla Tigers dismissed the Lankans for 279 in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka top-scoring with 108, and won the game in 41.3 overs courtesy of Shakib's 82 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 90. With the result, Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan have officially qualified for the 2025 Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan. Barring the hosts, the top seven teams from the ongoing World Cup will directly qualify to play in the next 50-over ICC tournament. Since Afghanistan are now set to finish in the seventh position, they will feature in their first-ever Champions Trophy. Also read: 'This is utter nonsense': Michael Vaughan SLAMS Mohammad Hafeez for calling Virat Kohli 'selfish' Afghanistan have had a dream run in this year's 50-over World Cup. After losing to Bangladesh in their tournament opener, the Afghans have fought well and defeated the likes of defending champions England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They take on five-time winners Australia in match 39 on Tuesday (Nov 7) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Talking about the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounter, the contest was a controversial affair after Angelo Mathews became the first-ever batter to be timed out in international cricket. Following this, tempers were flying throughout the game which also saw players from both sides refusing to shake hands after the final result.

World Cup 2023: High-flying Afghanistan qualify for 2025 Champions Trophy after Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka

<p>Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green posted 282 for 7 with Babar (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) being the top-scorers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan batters, after Noor Ahmed's 3 for 49 and two strikes from Naveen-ul-Haq, then completed the run-chase in 49 overs with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) standing tall. After the historic win, Afghanistan head coach and former English batter Jonathan Trott lauded his troops in an inspiring dressing room speech. He hailed the collective effort of the entire XI and asked them to enjoy the win but also get ready for the upcoming challenges.</p>

<p>In a video shared by Afghanistan Cricket Board on Instagram, Trott said, "There's a lot of emotions, a lot of passion. That's great. Let's just make sure we enjoy tonight. Make sure we look after each other. Let's make sure we enjoy this. Let's take the confidence from this. Enjoy tonight. I think Nabi. 10 overs&nbsp;for 31. Well, done. Noor, first World Cup game three wickets, well done."</p>

<p>"Our batters, I thought the way that we started, Ibrahim and Gurbaz I thought that was outstanding. That's world-class batting. You guys played cricket shots. That's what we've got. We've got a lot of talent. If we just apply ourselves in the way that Rahmat and the skipper played," he further opined.</p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-wc-keep-bringing-mediocre-and-average-people-akhtar-fumes-after-pakistan-loss-to-afghanistan-650606">ODI WC: 'Keep bringing mediocre and average people' - Akhtar FUMES after Pakistan loss to Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The former English batter added, "Yeah. there are things to work on. And if we can get those sorts of little things right, that will help us win games like this more often and more consistently. But let's make sure we take this confidence and this belief in this change room now and the happiness and we apply to every time we train and every match we play from here on it. Very excited for you boys. I'm very happy, very excited. Very proud."</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, captain Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also. At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive&nbsp;cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup."</p>

<p>Earlier in the ten-team ODI World Cup, Afghanistan beat defending champions England by 69 runs. Thus, they have two wins from five games and are in the sixth spot.&nbsp;</p>

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Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi.

Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green posted 282 for 7 with Babar (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) being the top-scorers. Afghanistan batters, after Noor Ahmed's 3 for 49 and two strikes from Naveen-ul-Haq, then completed the run-chase in 49 overs with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) standing tall. After the historic win, Afghanistan head coach and former English batter Jonathan Trott lauded his troops in an inspiring dressing room speech. He hailed the collective effort of the entire XI and asked them to enjoy the win but also get ready for the upcoming challenges. In a video shared by Afghanistan Cricket Board on Instagram, Trott said, "There's a lot of emotions, a lot of passion. That's great. Let's just make sure we enjoy tonight. Make sure we look after each other. Let's make sure we enjoy this. Let's take the confidence from this. Enjoy tonight. I think Nabi. 10 overs for 31. Well, done. Noor, first World Cup game three wickets, well done." "Our batters, I thought the way that we started, Ibrahim and Gurbaz I thought that was outstanding. That's world-class batting. You guys played cricket shots. That's what we've got. We've got a lot of talent. If we just apply ourselves in the way that Rahmat and the skipper played," he further opined. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × Also read: ODI WC: 'Keep bringing mediocre and average people' - Akhtar FUMES after Pakistan loss to Afghanistan The former English batter added, "Yeah. there are things to work on. And if we can get those sorts of little things right, that will help us win games like this more often and more consistently. But let's make sure we take this confidence and this belief in this change room now and the happiness and we apply to every time we train and every match we play from here on it. Very excited for you boys. I'm very happy, very excited. Very proud." At the post-match presentation, captain Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also. At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup." Earlier in the ten-team ODI World Cup, Afghanistan beat defending champions England by 69 runs. Thus, they have two wins from five games and are in the sixth spot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Head coach Jonathan Trott lauds Afghanistan players in INSPIRING speech after win over Pakistan - Watch

<p>Afghanistan bowler Rashid Khan and Player of the Match Mujeeb Ur Rahman dedicated their historic ODI World Cup 2023 win against England to people affected by earthquake back home.</p>

<p>"Cricket is something that brings joy to the people back home. Winning the game against England is big for us. Recently, we had an earthquake back home. Over 3,000 people lost their lives, many houses were destroyed, so this win will put a little bit of smile on their faces and maybe, they can little bit forget those days," said Rashid to the broadcasters after the match.</p>

<p>"This is a big win for us. This kind of performance gives us the belief that we can beat any side on any day. It will give us the energy for the rest of the World Cup," he added while talking about the magnanimity of the win.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-t20-cricket-included-in-roster-for-2028-los-angeles-olympics-after-iocs-voting-647472">Official! T20 cricket included in roster for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after IOC voting</a></p>

<p>Rashid also talked about what helped the Afghanistan team achieve their goal and said that we just focus on giving our 100%.</p>

<p>"I made it clear to everyone in the dressing room. Whatever happens in the tournament, we just have to fight till the end. We made small goals for ourselves. You just have to be happy that you gave your 100% while going back to the hotel."</p>

<p>Mujeeb, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his 26 with the bat and 3/51 in 10 overs, also dedicated his award to the people affected by the tragedy in the country.</p>

<p>"I want to dedicate this award to the people back home, who have been affected by the earthquake. This is something we could do as a team and I could do myself as a player," he said.</p>

<p>Talking about the win, Rahman said: "It is a very proud moment to be here at the World Cup and beating the champions. Great achievement for the whole team and this is the kind of opportunity we have been working hard for. It was a wonderful performance&nbsp;by the bowlers and the batters."</p>

<p>The win was only second for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup history after beating Scotland by one wicket in the 2015 edition.</p>

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Afghanistan bowler Rashid Khan and Player of the Match Mujeeb Ur Rahman dedicated their historic ODI World Cup 2023 win against England to people affected by earthquake back home.

Afghanistan bowler Rashid Khan and Player of the Match Mujeeb Ur Rahman dedicated their historic ODI World Cup 2023 win against England to people affected by earthquake back home. "Cricket is something that brings joy to the people back home. Winning the game against England is big for us. Recently, we had an earthquake back home. Over 3,000 people lost their lives, many houses were destroyed, so this win will put a little bit of smile on their faces and maybe, they can little bit forget those days," said Rashid to the broadcasters after the match. "This is a big win for us. This kind of performance gives us the belief that we can beat any side on any day. It will give us the energy for the rest of the World Cup," he added while talking about the magnanimity of the win. Also Read: Official! T20 cricket included in roster for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after IOC voting Rashid also talked about what helped the Afghanistan team achieve their goal and said that we just focus on giving our 100%. "I made it clear to everyone in the dressing room. Whatever happens in the tournament, we just have to fight till the end. We made small goals for ourselves. You just have to be happy that you gave your 100% while going back to the hotel." Mujeeb, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his 26 with the bat and 3/51 in 10 overs, also dedicated his award to the people affected by the tragedy in the country. "I want to dedicate this award to the people back home, who have been affected by the earthquake. This is something we could do as a team and I could do myself as a player," he said. Talking about the win, Rahman said: "It is a very proud moment to be here at the World Cup and beating the champions. Great achievement for the whole team and this is the kind of opportunity we have been working hard for. It was a wonderful performance by the bowlers and the batters." The win was only second for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup history after beating Scotland by one wicket in the 2015 edition. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup 2023: Emotional Afghanistan bowlers Rashid and Mujeeb dedicate win to quake victims back home

<p>Afghanistan have called up fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq back to the ODI fold for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Naveen played his last 50-over game for his country in January 2021 against Ireland and is making a comeback to the ODI side after more than two years.</p>

<p>Last year, Naveen made himself unavailable for the ODIs in January saying that he was taking a break from the ODIs. The Afghanistan Cricket Board then obliged and didn't pick him for the 50-over games since then. The pacer, however, played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and became quite infamous for getting into a spat with Indian batsman Virat Kohli.</p>

<p>Along with Naveen, who played for the Lucknow Super Giants, former India batsman Gautam Gambhir also got into an argument with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-bangladesh-batsman-mushfiqur-rahim-to-skip-super-four-game-against-india-635670">Asia Cup: Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim to skip Super Four game against India</a></p>

<p>Afghanistan will face India on October 11 in New Delhi and the match-up between Virat Kohli and Naveen would be an enticing one to watch. The quadrennial event starts next month on October 5 in India and will go on until November 19. Afghanistan will start their campaign against Bangladesh on October 7 in Dharamsala.</p>

<p>As for the squad, Naveen joins Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdul Rahman as pacers along with allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. In the spin department, Rashid Khan leads the quartet which also includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad.</p>

<p>Among the batsmen are Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah in the top three with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi set for number four position. The other three players in the squad are Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran and Ikram Alikhil who make the 15.</p>

<p>Apart from these 15 players, Afghanistan have also named three reserve players Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Fareed Ahmad. Afghans, in a huge moment for them, made it to the World Cup after going through qualifiers.</p>

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Afghanistan have called up fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq back to the ODI fold for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Naveen played his last 50-over game for his country in January 2021 against Ireland and is making a comeback to the ODI side after more than two years.

Afghanistan have called up fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq back to the ODI fold for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Naveen played his last 50-over game for his country in January 2021 against Ireland and is making a comeback to the ODI side after more than two years. Last year, Naveen made himself unavailable for the ODIs in January saying that he was taking a break from the ODIs. The Afghanistan Cricket Board then obliged and didn't pick him for the 50-over games since then. The pacer, however, played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and became quite infamous for getting into a spat with Indian batsman Virat Kohli. Along with Naveen, who played for the Lucknow Super Giants, former India batsman Gautam Gambhir also got into an argument with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Kohli. Also Read: Asia Cup: Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim to skip Super Four game against India Afghanistan will face India on October 11 in New Delhi and the match-up between Virat Kohli and Naveen would be an enticing one to watch. The quadrennial event starts next month on October 5 in India and will go on until November 19. Afghanistan will start their campaign against Bangladesh on October 7 in Dharamsala. As for the squad, Naveen joins Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdul Rahman as pacers along with allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. In the spin department, Rashid Khan leads the quartet which also includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad. Among the batsmen are Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah in the top three with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi set for number four position. The other three players in the squad are Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran and Ikram Alikhil who make the 15. Apart from these 15 players, Afghanistan have also named three reserve players Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Fareed Ahmad. Afghans, in a huge moment for them, made it to the World Cup after going through qualifiers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan recall pacer Naveen-ul-Haq to ODI squad after two years for upcoming World Cup

<p>Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result, the athletes have also suffered, mainly the female sports personalities in the country. As the Taliban regime remains firm on their stance that women of the country won't indulge in sports, the Afghanistan cricket team faced the brunt of it as their forthcoming maiden Test versus Australia -- scheduled to be held in November, 2021&nbsp;in Hobart -- got postponed by the Australian Cricket Board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/epic-aakash-chopra-reacts-as-pakistani-actor-accuses-bcci-of-fixing-india-vs-afghanistan-t20-wc-clash-426574">EPIC! Aakash Chopra reacts as Pakistani actor accuses BCCI of 'fixing' India vs Afghanistan T20 WC clash</a></strong></p>

<p>Cricket Australia in a statement said, “Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27.”</p>

<p>“CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer,” the board said.</p>

<p>“CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL (Big Bash League) this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future,” it added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-professor-to-fruit-seller-a-life-with-dignity-in-afghanistan-424155"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;From professor to fruit seller : a life with dignity in Afghanistan</strong></a></p>

<p>Following the unfortunate turn of events,&nbsp;Dad Mohammad Nawak, Spokesperson, Afghan National Olympic Committee revealed -- in an interaction with www.wionnews.com's Anas Mallick, -- what the new government policy is towards women's sport and will they be allowed to participate and flourish for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Recently we saw postponement by the Australian Cricket team under the pretext that the new govt. is not allowing (Afghan) women's cricket team to prevail. What is the new govt's policy in regards to women's sports. Will they be allowed participation?</strong></p>

<p>We are trying our best that with regards to women sports, whatever Islam and Islamic Emirates policy says, we want to go ahead on the same path. And we are trying our best to ensure that there would be no discrimination and we want to be away from any discrimination. And we are trying our best to make a system for the women that is beyond any nationality, language or area for sports.</p>

<p>Given that all eyes are on Afghanistan regarding how their women athletes are allowed to function in the coming years, there might be reforms in place to involve them so that the sporting fraternity do not shun the troubled country completely going forward (as done by CA with regard to the one-off Test).</p>

<p>What does the future hold for the women athletes in Afghanistan? It remains unclear as of now. Only time will have all the answers...</p>


Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch.

Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch. As a result, the athletes have also suffered, mainly the female sports personalities in the country. As the Taliban regime remains firm on their stance that women of the country won't indulge in sports, the Afghanistan cricket team faced the brunt of it as their forthcoming maiden Test versus Australia -- scheduled to be held in November, 2021 in Hobart -- got postponed by the Australian Cricket Board. ALSO READ | EPIC! Aakash Chopra reacts as Pakistani actor accuses BCCI of 'fixing' India vs Afghanistan T20 WC clash Cricket Australia in a statement said, “Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27.” “CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer,” the board said. “CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL (Big Bash League) this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future,” it added. ALSO READ | From professor to fruit seller : a life with dignity in Afghanistan Following the unfortunate turn of events, Dad Mohammad Nawak, Spokesperson, Afghan National Olympic Committee revealed -- in an interaction with www.wionnews.com's Anas Mallick, -- what the new government policy is towards women's sport and will they be allowed to participate and flourish for the country. Recently we saw postponement by the Australian Cricket team under the pretext that the new govt. is not allowing (Afghan) women's cricket team to prevail. What is the new govt's policy in regards to women's sports. Will they be allowed participation? We are trying our best that with regards to women sports, whatever Islam and Islamic Emirates policy says, we want to go ahead on the same path. And we are trying our best to ensure that there would be no discrimination and we want to be away from any discrimination. And we are trying our best to make a system for the women that is beyond any nationality, language or area for sports. Given that all eyes are on Afghanistan regarding how their women athletes are allowed to function in the coming years, there might be reforms in place to involve them so that the sporting fraternity do not shun the troubled country completely going forward (as done by CA with regard to the one-off Test). What does the future hold for the women athletes in Afghanistan? It remains unclear as of now. Only time will have all the answers...

As Australia-Afghanistan Test gets postponed, ANOC's spokesperson sheds light on women athletes' future

<p>Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs.</p>

<p>Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter scored 45 runs off 33 balls before walking towards the pavilion.</p>

<p>Shahzad has now scored 2011 runs in T20Is in 68 matches with 12 fifties and one century under his belt.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winless-in-18-years-can-virat-kohli-led-india-break-the-jinx-against-new-zealand-in-icc-events-425532">Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events</a></strong></p>

<p>India skipper Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the format with 3216 runs under his belt from 91 games.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match.</p>

<p>Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday.</p>

<p>Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side.</p>

<p>As Asghar came into bat when Shahzad's entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-names-only-team-which-can-stop-destructive-england-in-t20-world-cup-2021-425604">Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009.</p>

<p>Coming back to the game, Asghar scored 31 off 23 balls as Afghanistan posted 160/5 in the 20 overs.&nbsp;</p>


Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs. Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup.

Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs. Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter scored 45 runs off 33 balls before walking towards the pavilion. Shahzad has now scored 2011 runs in T20Is in 68 matches with 12 fifties and one century under his belt. Also Read: Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events India skipper Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the format with 3216 runs under his belt from 91 games. Meanwhile, former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match. Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday. Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side. As Asghar came into bat when Shahzad's entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match. ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021 Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009. Coming back to the game, Asghar scored 31 off 23 balls as Afghanistan posted 160/5 in the 20 overs.

T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs

<p>Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan on Friday became the fastest bowler to take 100 T20Is wickets.</p>

<p>Rashid achieved the feat during the match against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>The Afghanistan spinner dismissed Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez to reach the milestone. Shakib Al Hasan, Lasith Malinga and Tim Southee are the players who have 100 T20I wickets.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pak-fans-with-tickets-stuck-outside-as-ticketless-afghan-groups-break-queue-to-enter-stadium-watch-425116">T20 WC: Pak fans with tickets stuck outside as ticketless Afghan groups break queue to enter stadium - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Rashid picked his 100th wicket in his 53rd match as he broke Malinga`s record. The Sri Lanka bowler had picked his 100th wicket in the 76th game.</p>

<p>The Afghanistan-Pakistan game was set to have fans coming in from across Dubai, but not many would have expected a near stampede situation as groups of Afghanistan fans tried to get into the Dubai International Cricket Stadium without tickets.</p>

<p>Fans had started coming in for the Friday evening game in large numbers from as early as the afternoon, but the trouble started when some fans tried to enter the stadium minus tickets.</p>

<p>One of the Pakistan fans who came down all the way from London for the game wasn't able to enter the stadium in time as the gates had been closed. "We are going to watch a T10 game here because people without tickets were jumping over the gates and we couldn`t get in," the fan rued pointing at his young kids who had their bags checked.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2021-west-indies-beat-bangladesh-by-3-runs-in-nail-biter-to-keep-top-four-hopes-alive-425067">T20 World Cup 2021: West Indies beat Bangladesh by 3 runs in nail-biter to keep top four hopes alive</a></strong></p>

<p>While the security cordon tried its best to keep non-ticket holders away from the entrance, the large number of fans seemed hell-bent to enter the ground to witness the Afghanistan players in action against Pakistan.</p>

<p>In fact, the worst part was that some of the fans who had tickets were forced to skip the game.&nbsp;</p>


Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan on Friday became the fastest bowler to take 100 T20Is wickets. Rashid achieved the feat during the match against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan on Friday became the fastest bowler to take 100 T20Is wickets. Rashid achieved the feat during the match against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The Afghanistan spinner dismissed Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez to reach the milestone. Shakib Al Hasan, Lasith Malinga and Tim Southee are the players who have 100 T20I wickets. ALSO READ: T20 WC: Pak fans with tickets stuck outside as ticketless Afghan groups break queue to enter stadium - Watch Rashid picked his 100th wicket in his 53rd match as he broke Malinga`s record. The Sri Lanka bowler had picked his 100th wicket in the 76th game. The Afghanistan-Pakistan game was set to have fans coming in from across Dubai, but not many would have expected a near stampede situation as groups of Afghanistan fans tried to get into the Dubai International Cricket Stadium without tickets. Fans had started coming in for the Friday evening game in large numbers from as early as the afternoon, but the trouble started when some fans tried to enter the stadium minus tickets. One of the Pakistan fans who came down all the way from London for the game wasn't able to enter the stadium in time as the gates had been closed. "We are going to watch a T10 game here because people without tickets were jumping over the gates and we couldn`t get in," the fan rued pointing at his young kids who had their bags checked. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2021: West Indies beat Bangladesh by 3 runs in nail-biter to keep top four hopes alive While the security cordon tried its best to keep non-ticket holders away from the entrance, the large number of fans seemed hell-bent to enter the ground to witness the Afghanistan players in action against Pakistan. In fact, the worst part was that some of the fans who had tickets were forced to skip the game.

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan becomes fastest player to reach 100 T20I wickets

<p>Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi stated on Sunday, ahead of the Super 12s encounter against Scotland, that the supporters back home would be thrilled if the team did well in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup game.</p>

<p>On Monday, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host a match between Afghanistan and Scotland.</p>

<p>Nabi during&nbsp;a virtual pre-match news conference, said, "The fans are really waiting for that camp because the only happiness in Afghanistan is cricket. If you're willing to do well in the tournament and we win the games, the fans are really happy and there will be a lot of smiles on faces and insha'Allah everything will be changed of this work if we do well in the tournament."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/give-sleeping-pills-ask-dhoni-not-to-bat-shoaib-akhtars-hilarious-advice-to-pakistan-on-how-to-stop-india-423456">'Give sleeping pills, ask Dhoni not to bat':&nbsp;Akhtar's hilarious advice to Pakistan on how to stop India</a></strong></p>

<p>The cricket team's preparations were affected by political chaos in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover, but Nabi stated that they are ready to compete.</p>

<p>"Everyone knows that back home in Afghanistan there's a lot happening and everything from the last few months. But as a cricket point of view everybody is ready for that World Cup and we prepared well for this World Cup," said Nabi.</p>

<p>"There is a little issues when we arrived to Dubai about with those issues. But these last two warm-up games and practise session will well prepare for the team and prepare well for the upcoming games for tomorrow games as well," he added.</p>

<p>Nabi said of the team's preparation for the showpiece event:&nbsp;"Yeah, it's not that much ideal but from last one and a half weeks, when the team arrived and the current time and everything finished two warm-up games and around one week practise sessions, I think it's for those cricketers playing cricket all over the world, especially five, six, seven players are playing different franchise cricket from last six months, we are in touch with cricket."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/please-not-this-match-pakistan-fans-urge-ms-dhoni-kl-rahul-to-spare-babar-co-ahead-of-india-clash-423444">'Please, not this match': Pakistan fans urge Dhoni,&nbsp;Rahul to spare Babar &amp; Co. ahead of India clash</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is a few players just with the condition and also getting with the team and the competition of the team is more important. And we did from last one and a half weeks and we are well prepared insha 'Allah we'll try our best and do well," he added.</p>


Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi stated on Sunday, ahead of the Super 12s encounter against Scotland, that the supporters back home would be thrilled if the team did well in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup game.

Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi stated on Sunday, ahead of the Super 12s encounter against Scotland, that the supporters back home would be thrilled if the team did well in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup game. On Monday, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host a match between Afghanistan and Scotland. Nabi during a virtual pre-match news conference, said, "The fans are really waiting for that camp because the only happiness in Afghanistan is cricket. If you're willing to do well in the tournament and we win the games, the fans are really happy and there will be a lot of smiles on faces and insha'Allah everything will be changed of this work if we do well in the tournament." Also Read: 'Give sleeping pills, ask Dhoni not to bat': Akhtar's hilarious advice to Pakistan on how to stop India The cricket team's preparations were affected by political chaos in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover, but Nabi stated that they are ready to compete. "Everyone knows that back home in Afghanistan there's a lot happening and everything from the last few months. But as a cricket point of view everybody is ready for that World Cup and we prepared well for this World Cup," said Nabi. "There is a little issues when we arrived to Dubai about with those issues. But these last two warm-up games and practise session will well prepare for the team and prepare well for the upcoming games for tomorrow games as well," he added. Nabi said of the team's preparation for the showpiece event: "Yeah, it's not that much ideal but from last one and a half weeks, when the team arrived and the current time and everything finished two warm-up games and around one week practise sessions, I think it's for those cricketers playing cricket all over the world, especially five, six, seven players are playing different franchise cricket from last six months, we are in touch with cricket." Also Read: 'Please, not this match': Pakistan fans urge Dhoni, Rahul to spare Babar & Co. ahead of India clash "There is a few players just with the condition and also getting with the team and the competition of the team is more important. And we did from last one and a half weeks and we are well prepared insha 'Allah we'll try our best and do well," he added.

T20 World Cup: Only happiness in Afghanistan is cricket, says skipper Mohammad Nabi

<p>The cricketing action will continue in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, as the Afghanistan cricket team will face Scotland in match 17th of the tournament, which will be the 5th game of the Super 12 round.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After India-Pakistan face-off commenced the fixtures in Pool B, Afghanistan-Scotland's encounter will be the second game from the same group. Talking about the campaign of both sides, Scotland have reached the Super 12 after a clinical performance in the warm-up fixtures and in the qualifiers, being unbeaten so far. On the other hand, Afghanistan lost their first warm-up game to South Africa before beating world champions West Indies, by 56 runs, in their last fixture from the warm-ups.</p>

<p>While Afghanistan have more experience of playing against the major teams and, hence, will start as favourites, anything can happen in the T20I format. Given how the last two days have been in the Super 12, where England and Pakistan ended their losing streaks versus West Indies and India respectively, any team can beat anyone. Hence, another blockbuster clash awaits the cricket lovers worldwide.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-hopeful-of-indias-revamp-post-humiliating-loss-vs-pakistan-in-t20-wc-423797"><strong>Sunil Gavaskar hopeful of India's revamp post humiliating loss vs Pakistan in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What time does the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland begin?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-babar-azam-delivers-powerful-speech-as-pakistan-hammer-india-by-10-wickets-in-t20-wc-423749">&nbsp;<strong>WATCH: Babar Azam delivers powerful speech as Pakistan hammer India by 10 wickets in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between ENG vs WI will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.</p>


The cricketing action will continue in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, as the Afghanistan cricket team will face Scotland in match 17th of the tournament, which will be the 5th game of the Super 12 round.

The cricketing action will continue in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, as the Afghanistan cricket team will face Scotland in match 17th of the tournament, which will be the 5th game of the Super 12 round. After India-Pakistan face-off commenced the fixtures in Pool B, Afghanistan-Scotland's encounter will be the second game from the same group. Talking about the campaign of both sides, Scotland have reached the Super 12 after a clinical performance in the warm-up fixtures and in the qualifiers, being unbeaten so far. On the other hand, Afghanistan lost their first warm-up game to South Africa before beating world champions West Indies, by 56 runs, in their last fixture from the warm-ups. While Afghanistan have more experience of playing against the major teams and, hence, will start as favourites, anything can happen in the T20I format. Given how the last two days have been in the Super 12, where England and Pakistan ended their losing streaks versus West Indies and India respectively, any team can beat anyone. Hence, another blockbuster clash awaits the cricket lovers worldwide. ALSO READ | Sunil Gavaskar hopeful of India's revamp post humiliating loss vs Pakistan in T20 WC Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland taking place? The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah What time does the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland begin? The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday. ALSO READ | WATCH: Babar Azam delivers powerful speech as Pakistan hammer India by 10 wickets in T20 WC Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland? The T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan vs Scotland will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between ENG vs WI will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

T20 World Cup, AFG vs SCO live streaming: When and where to watch Afghanistan vs Scotland match?