The one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia is in jeopardy, with Chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), Nick Hockley said that Cricket Australia will "most likely" postpone the match.<o:p></o:p>

CA warned last month to cancel the Test, which is set to begin on November 27 in Hobart, if the Taliban administration, which took control of Afghanistan in August, would not let women and girls participate.

Officials and players, notably Test captain Tim Paine, have raised reservations about playing in Afghanistan if women's cricket is prohibited.

<o:p></o:p>

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<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>"The work we've been doing is to understand the situation on the ground. We made our position very, very clear off the back of some earlier comments around cricket potentially not being supported for women and girls," said Hockley.

"It`s most likely that we will postpone the Test until a time when there is more clarity following consultation with the Australian government," he added.

On the other hand, Hockley has stated that the board is "desperately" attempting to host the fifth Ashes Test in Perth. The Ashes, a cricket series&nbsp;between England and Australia, will begin on December 8 in Brisbane.

The fifth and final Test is set to take place in Perth, however, the West Australian government's new COVID-19 limitations have cast doubt on the event.<o:p></o:p>

Western Australia has implemented tight border restrictions to keep COVID-19 out of the state, and the England squad would have to quarantine for two weeks after landing in Perth from the fourth test in Sydney if the government followed its regulations.

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"We would desperately like to play the fifth Test in Perth, it's absolutely our intention to do so. Those discussions are going on right as we speak. We are encouraged by the experience we had last summer when we were able to play five BBL matches in January," Hockley said, according to ESPNcricinfo.

"There's been a whole winter of experience of playing elite sport at Perth Stadium in biosecure conditions. We have strong relationships and are working through the detail as to what that might look like.

"It's really important we are giving both squads, match officials and broadcasters a great experience and their wellbeing is front of mind," he added.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia is in jeopardy, with Chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), Nick Hockley said that Cricket Australia will "most likely" postpone the match.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia is in jeopardy, with Chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), Nick Hockley said that Cricket Australia will "most likely" postpone the match. CA warned last month to cancel the Test, which is set to begin on November 27 in Hobart, if the Taliban administration, which took control of Afghanistan in August, would not let women and girls participate. Officials and players, notably Test captain Tim Paine, have raised reservations about playing in Afghanistan if women's cricket is prohibited. Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "The work we've been doing is to understand the situation on the ground. We made our position very, very clear off the back of some earlier comments around cricket potentially not being supported for women and girls," said Hockley. "It`s most likely that we will postpone the Test until a time when there is more clarity following consultation with the Australian government," he added. On the other hand, Hockley has stated that the board is "desperately" attempting to host the fifth Ashes Test in Perth. The Ashes, a cricket series between England and Australia, will begin on December 8 in Brisbane. The fifth and final Test is set to take place in Perth, however, the West Australian government's new COVID-19 limitations have cast doubt on the event. Western Australia has implemented tight border restrictions to keep COVID-19 out of the state, and the England squad would have to quarantine for two weeks after landing in Perth from the fourth test in Sydney if the government followed its regulations. ALSO READ | DRS to make debut in upcoming ICC men's T20 World Cup 2021 "We would desperately like to play the fifth Test in Perth, it's absolutely our intention to do so. Those discussions are going on right as we speak. We are encouraged by the experience we had last summer when we were able to play five BBL matches in January," Hockley said, according to ESPNcricinfo. "There's been a whole winter of experience of playing elite sport at Perth Stadium in biosecure conditions. We have strong relationships and are working through the detail as to what that might look like. "It's really important we are giving both squads, match officials and broadcasters a great experience and their wellbeing is front of mind," he added.

Historic Australia-Afghanistan Test likely to be postponed, hints CA chief Nick Hockley

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future.

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17.

"We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country."

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"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup."

Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25.

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education.

Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event.

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"They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said.

"As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal."

The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday. Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future. "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17. "We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country." Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup." Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25. When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event. Also Read: Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind Warner's fall from grace at SRH? "They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said. "As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal." The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

ICC adopts wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron&nbsp;Finch&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Governing body Cricket Australia said it would cancel the Nov. 27 Test in Hobart if reports women in the South Asian nation would be banned from playing the game were substantiated.

"It’s a really challenging time no doubt, but we’re supportive of Cricket Australia’s position,"&nbsp;Finch&nbsp;told reporters in a media call.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said last month it was committed to women's cricket though it was awaiting instructions from the government on its future.

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The Afghanistan's men's squad is preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Oman starting on Oct. 17.

Australia's Test captain Tim Paine said last month teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the World Cup and questioned how the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, could sanction their participation in the tournament.

The ICC will discuss Afghanistan and women's cricket at its next board meeting during the World Cup.

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Finch&nbsp;declined to say whether Australia would feel comfortable playing the Afghans at the World Cup where they would not meet unless both teams advance to at least the semi-finals.

"That’s an ICC decision," he said.

"We’re hopeful that things can resolve itself and Afghanistan can play a huge part in international cricket.

"We’ve seen how important they are, the development of their game in Afghanistan no doubt is huge."

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron Finch said on Wednesday.

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron Finch said on Wednesday. Governing body Cricket Australia said it would cancel the Nov. 27 Test in Hobart if reports women in the South Asian nation would be banned from playing the game were substantiated. "It’s a really challenging time no doubt, but we’re supportive of Cricket Australia’s position," Finch told reporters in a media call. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said last month it was committed to women's cricket though it was awaiting instructions from the government on its future. ALSO READ | 'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style The Afghanistan's men's squad is preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Oman starting on Oct. 17. Australia's Test captain Tim Paine said last month teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the World Cup and questioned how the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, could sanction their participation in the tournament. The ICC will discuss Afghanistan and women's cricket at its next board meeting during the World Cup. ALSO READ | 'Western arrogance': Michael Holding slams England for pulling out of Pakistan tour, says 'would not have done that to India' Finch declined to say whether Australia would feel comfortable playing the Afghans at the World Cup where they would not meet unless both teams advance to at least the semi-finals. "That’s an ICC decision," he said. "We’re hopeful that things can resolve itself and Afghanistan can play a huge part in international cricket. "We’ve seen how important they are, the development of their game in Afghanistan no doubt is huge."

Australia players back board's stance on Afghanistan Test: Aaron Finch

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. 
 
The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. 
 
The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. 
 
"We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. 
 
The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. 
 
"The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." 
 
When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. 
 
The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. 
 
Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. 
 
Fazli ruled out such a prospect.&nbsp; "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." 
 
The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. 
 
Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. "We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. "The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. Fazli ruled out such a prospect. "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

Afghanistan board committed to women's cricket, optimistic on Hobart Test vs Australia

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. 
 
Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. 
 
"The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. 
 
"For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. 
 
"(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." 
 
The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. 
 
"Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." 
 
Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. "The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. "For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. "(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. "Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket.

Afghanistan captain criticises Australia's Tim Paine for questioning right to play

Afghanistan Cricket Board's chairman Azizullah Fazli has hinted that women could still be allowed to play the sport in interaction with an Australian broadcaster.&nbsp;

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It is being seen as a backflip on the Taliban's hardline stance on women's rights.&nbsp;

"We will give you our clear position on how we will allow women to play cricket," Fazli told SBS Radio Pashto late Friday, the broadcaster reported on its English-language website. "Very soon, we will give you good news on how we will proceed."

Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression.&nbsp;

Taliban gave a green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport.

After reports of the Taliban not allowing women to play the sport, Cricket Australia released a statement about their stance on the one-off Test. It said that they will have to cancel the historic Test if the Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read.

"Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue."

After CA's stance, Afghanistan Cricket Board released an overnight statement urging the Australians to not punish the men's team.&nbsp;

"Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," it added.

Afghanistan Cricket Board's chairman Azizullah Fazli has hinted that women could still be allowed to play the sport in interaction with an Australian broadcaster.

Afghanistan Cricket Board's chairman Azizullah Fazli has hinted that women could still be allowed to play the sport in interaction with an Australian broadcaster. ALSO READ: 'Indians should never forget England's gesture after 26/11', says Sunil Gavaskar It is being seen as a backflip on the Taliban's hardline stance on women's rights. "We will give you our clear position on how we will allow women to play cricket," Fazli told SBS Radio Pashto late Friday, the broadcaster reported on its English-language website. "Very soon, we will give you good news on how we will proceed." Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression. Taliban gave a green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport. After reports of the Taliban not allowing women to play the sport, Cricket Australia released a statement about their stance on the one-off Test. It said that they will have to cancel the historic Test if the Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan. "Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read. "Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue." After CA's stance, Afghanistan Cricket Board released an overnight statement urging the Australians to not punish the men's team. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," it added.

Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.&nbsp;

Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered".&nbsp;

Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was&nbsp;scheduled to take place in November.&nbsp;

As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well.&nbsp;

Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction".

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"The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added.&nbsp;

"We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said.&nbsp;

"We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said.

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-and-afghan-flags-side-by-side-as-fans-enjoy-a-game-of-cricket-at-kabul-international-stadium-410681">Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium</a>

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We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. 
 
Press release: <a href="https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI">https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI</a>
— Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamidshinwari03/status/1436293777065496581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country.

"If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said.

It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments.&nbsp;

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"ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced."

"We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country."

"The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added.&nbsp;

ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday.&nbsp;

"I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time."

Read the statement here:

<img alt="Hamid Shinwari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="726c8b91-9c67-4e29-bb98-2f44b4097d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hamid.PNG" />

Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order.&nbsp;

"I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio.&nbsp;

"I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores.&nbsp;

"How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport. Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered". Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was scheduled to take place in November. As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well. Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction". ALSO READ | 'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off "The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added. "We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said. "We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said. IN PICS | Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium 2/2 We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. Press release: https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI — Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) September 10, 2021 × Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country. "If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said. It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments. ALSO READ: BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England "ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced." "We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country." "The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added. ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday. "I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time." Read the statement here: Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country. Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order. "I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio. "I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores. "How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not isolate us': Afghanistan cricket board urges to keep game 'out of politics'

Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge&nbsp;unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour.&nbsp;

Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said.

Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now.

Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27.&nbsp;

This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year. There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour. Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said. Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now. Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27. This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

Big boost to Afghanistan as national side receives green signal from Taliban to play one-off Test versus Australia

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya&nbsp;Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens.

While Roya left her country two days before Taliban entered Kabul, she vented out her frustration and disappointment in leaving her homeland and settling elsewhere. Speaking to The Guardian, she said, "Leaving Afghanistan, it was a sad day for me. I just cried. I really love everything that I had: my job, my cricket, my teammates, my home town, my relatives. Everything that I have, I leave behind. Even now when I remember this day I will cry. The Taliban are against girls studying, so how do they want a girl’s cricket team?"

To her knowledge, Roya feels only her sisters and she has managed to leave the troubled country in the right time. Thus, Roya remains extremely concerned about her teammates and told, "My other teammates who stay in Afghanistan are afraid, they stay in their houses. They are sad, they ask people to please help us. Emotionally and physically, they are not good."

What hurt Roya was no response that she got from the International Cricket Council (ICC). In this regard, she pointed out, "We all emailed the ICC but got no response from them,” says Samim. “Why do they not respond to us, why do they not consider us, even treat us that we don’t exist in the world? After the Taliban came into Kabul, we requested that [the ICC] please save all the girls, we are worried for our teammates. The Afghan Cricket Board [ACB] also said nothing, they said just: ‘Wait.’"

Given the grim situation in Afghanistan, many are living in uncertain times in their own country.

For the unversed, Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, however, made heads turn with his recent remark supporting the Taliban terror group, saying they've entered Taliban with a 'positive intent'.&nbsp;Afridi's&nbsp;statement comes at a time after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. Hence, he received criticism from several quarters for his glaring statement.

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens.

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens. While Roya left her country two days before Taliban entered Kabul, she vented out her frustration and disappointment in leaving her homeland and settling elsewhere. Speaking to The Guardian, she said, "Leaving Afghanistan, it was a sad day for me. I just cried. I really love everything that I had: my job, my cricket, my teammates, my home town, my relatives. Everything that I have, I leave behind. Even now when I remember this day I will cry. The Taliban are against girls studying, so how do they want a girl’s cricket team?" To her knowledge, Roya feels only her sisters and she has managed to leave the troubled country in the right time. Thus, Roya remains extremely concerned about her teammates and told, "My other teammates who stay in Afghanistan are afraid, they stay in their houses. They are sad, they ask people to please help us. Emotionally and physically, they are not good." What hurt Roya was no response that she got from the International Cricket Council (ICC). In this regard, she pointed out, "We all emailed the ICC but got no response from them,” says Samim. “Why do they not respond to us, why do they not consider us, even treat us that we don’t exist in the world? After the Taliban came into Kabul, we requested that [the ICC] please save all the girls, we are worried for our teammates. The Afghan Cricket Board [ACB] also said nothing, they said just: ‘Wait.’" Given the grim situation in Afghanistan, many are living in uncertain times in their own country. For the unversed, Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, however, made heads turn with his recent remark supporting the Taliban terror group, saying they've entered Taliban with a 'positive intent'. Afridi's statement comes at a time after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. Hence, he received criticism from several quarters for his glaring statement.

We emailed ICC but got no response, reveals Afghanistan woman cricketer who left Kabul post Taliban's entry

The first-ever bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been postponed until next year over logistic and multiple issues, both boards decided on Tuesday.

"Pakistan has accepted Afghanistan Board's request to postpone next month’s ODI series due to players’ mental health issues, disruption in flight operations in Kabul and other issues," Pakistan Cricket Board said.

The series -- Afghanistan's home series -- due to be played in Sri Lankan port city of Hambantota was also hit by increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka where a ten-day lockdown was announced on Saturday.

"There were a lack of broadcast facilities which was also a hurdle and both the boards will try to reschedule the series in 2022."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-criticise-only-important-people-says-ajinkya-rahane-over-chatter-around-his-form-407880">'People criticise only important people,' says Ajinkya Rahane over chatter around his form</a>

The three-match series was part of One-day Super League, a qualification process for the 2023 World Cup (50 overs) to be held in India.

Since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of USA and NATO forces and the collapse of the elected government there was a flight disruption in Kabul.

Afghanistan had also tried to move the series to Pakistan, but even that was not viable which finally prompted the two Boards to postpone the series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvseng-mark-wood-injury-adds-to-england-pace-problems-ahead-of-third-test-407846">INDvsENG: Mark Wood injury adds to England pace problems ahead of third Test</a>

International players have also found it hard to cope with the Covid-19 situation since last year as they have to live under bio-secure bubble conditions, causing them mental issues.

Considering that, Pakistan had decided to rest its key players including skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali for the Afghanistan series.

Afghanistan had last month announced a 17-man squad for the series including their star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

The first-ever bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been postponed until next year over logistic and multiple issues, both boards decided on Tuesday.

The first-ever bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been postponed until next year over logistic and multiple issues, both boards decided on Tuesday. "Pakistan has accepted Afghanistan Board's request to postpone next month’s ODI series due to players’ mental health issues, disruption in flight operations in Kabul and other issues," Pakistan Cricket Board said. The series -- Afghanistan's home series -- due to be played in Sri Lankan port city of Hambantota was also hit by increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka where a ten-day lockdown was announced on Saturday. "There were a lack of broadcast facilities which was also a hurdle and both the boards will try to reschedule the series in 2022." ALSO READ | 'People criticise only important people,' says Ajinkya Rahane over chatter around his form The three-match series was part of One-day Super League, a qualification process for the 2023 World Cup (50 overs) to be held in India. Since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of USA and NATO forces and the collapse of the elected government there was a flight disruption in Kabul. Afghanistan had also tried to move the series to Pakistan, but even that was not viable which finally prompted the two Boards to postpone the series. ALSO READ | INDvsENG: Mark Wood injury adds to England pace problems ahead of third Test International players have also found it hard to cope with the Covid-19 situation since last year as they have to live under bio-secure bubble conditions, causing them mental issues. Considering that, Pakistan had decided to rest its key players including skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali for the Afghanistan series. Afghanistan had last month announced a 17-man squad for the series including their star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

Pakistan-Afghanistan ODI series postponed until next year

Spirit of sport: Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul - see pics

Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan was spotted with the country's flag painted on his face during a match of the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The spinner, who is currently in England, recently expressed his concerns over the safety of his family back home amid political chaos in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Rashid Khan featured for Trent Rockets during the eliminator against Southern Brave as he showed his support for Afghanistan by painting the country's flag on his face and images of the same have gone viral.&nbsp;

Recently, England skipper Kevin Pietersen revealed that Rashid Khan was worried about the situation of the country and is unable to get his family out.&nbsp;

"There's a lot of things that are happening at home. We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried: he can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him," Pietersen said on Sky Sports.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-announces-return-of-ipl-2021-in-a-never-before-seen-avatar-407355">MS Dhoni announces return of IPL 2021 in a never-before-seen avatar - &nbsp;watch</a>

See some of the viral pictures here:&nbsp;

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په نن لوبه کې د <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashidkhan_19</a> پر مخ تور، سور او زرغون بیرغ، اتل او هیوادنۍ مینه 🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/8ZHpQHooKj">pic.twitter.com/8ZHpQHooKj</a>
— Afghan Cricket Association - ACA (@Afghan_cricketA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Afghan_cricketA/status/1428799381499785224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan has the Afghanistan flag painted on his cheeks tonight. Goes without saying, but it's remarkable that he's out there competing considering the situation back home. 🇦🇫💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHundred?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheHundred</a> <a href="https://t.co/z6YNlEhFaK">pic.twitter.com/z6YNlEhFaK</a>
— Louis Sealey (@LouisSealey) <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisSealey/status/1428802872712499200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan with the Afghanistan flag on his cheek - good way to support the country. <a href="https://t.co/tW2zPfQsl7">pic.twitter.com/tW2zPfQsl7</a>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1428797928563376134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan painted colours of Afghanistan Flag onto his face in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHundred?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheHundred</a> Game <a href="https://t.co/BRJdiLIV1s">pic.twitter.com/BRJdiLIV1s</a>
— ȺղցҽӀ Ƒìɾժօʂ ❥ PrayforAFG🇦🇫 (@Srk_Rooshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srk_Rooshi/status/1428970090729406468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Speculations over the future of sports in Afghanistan have been made since the Taliban took over Kabul after routing government forces. Amid the political turmoil, several athletes have opened up about the ordeals, advocating for&nbsp;a stable political environment in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-had-a-small-weakness-against-off-spin-reveals-muttiah-muralitharan-407282">Sachin Tendulkar had a 'small weakness' against off-spin, reveals Muttiah Muralitharan</a>

Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board head of media operations Hikmat Hassan addressed the issue and said that the Taliban "don't have any issue or problem with cricket".&nbsp;

"The Taliban don't have any issue or problem with cricket, and they have told us that we can continue our work as planned," said Hassan as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

The official also said that the team should be able to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November.&nbsp;

"We are confident we will be able to take part and will be preparing for it over the coming weeks. I don't think there will be a problem," Hassan said.&nbsp;

Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan was spotted with the country's flag painted on his face during a match of the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The spinner, who is currently in England, recently expressed his concerns over the safety of his family back home amid political chaos in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan was spotted with the country's flag painted on his face during a match of the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The spinner, who is currently in England, recently expressed his concerns over the safety of his family back home amid political chaos in Afghanistan. Rashid Khan featured for Trent Rockets during the eliminator against Southern Brave as he showed his support for Afghanistan by painting the country's flag on his face and images of the same have gone viral. Recently, England skipper Kevin Pietersen revealed that Rashid Khan was worried about the situation of the country and is unable to get his family out. "There's a lot of things that are happening at home. We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried: he can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him," Pietersen said on Sky Sports. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni announces return of IPL 2021 in a never-before-seen avatar - watch See some of the viral pictures here: په نن لوبه کې د @rashidkhan_19 پر مخ تور، سور او زرغون بیرغ، اتل او هیوادنۍ مینه 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/8ZHpQHooKj — Afghan Cricket Association - ACA (@Afghan_cricketA) August 20, 2021 × Rashid Khan has the Afghanistan flag painted on his cheeks tonight. Goes without saying, but it's remarkable that he's out there competing considering the situation back home. 🇦🇫💛#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/z6YNlEhFaK — Louis Sealey (@LouisSealey) August 20, 2021 × Rashid Khan with the Afghanistan flag on his cheek - good way to support the country. pic.twitter.com/tW2zPfQsl7 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 20, 2021 × Rashid Khan painted colours of Afghanistan Flag onto his face in #TheHundred Game pic.twitter.com/BRJdiLIV1s — ȺղցҽӀ Ƒìɾժօʂ ❥ PrayforAFG🇦🇫 (@Srk_Rooshi) August 21, 2021 × Speculations over the future of sports in Afghanistan have been made since the Taliban took over Kabul after routing government forces. Amid the political turmoil, several athletes have opened up about the ordeals, advocating for a stable political environment in the country. ALSO READ | Sachin Tendulkar had a 'small weakness' against off-spin, reveals Muttiah Muralitharan Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board head of media operations Hikmat Hassan addressed the issue and said that the Taliban "don't have any issue or problem with cricket". "The Taliban don't have any issue or problem with cricket, and they have told us that we can continue our work as planned," said Hassan as quoted by Reuters. The official also said that the team should be able to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November. "We are confident we will be able to take part and will be preparing for it over the coming weeks. I don't think there will be a problem," Hassan said.

The Hundred: Rashid Khan's pictures with Afghanistan's flag painted on his face go viral

The future of sports in Afghanistan remains uncertain — especially the participation of women since the Taliban took over Kabul after routing government forces in order to end two decades of war.&nbsp;

From Paralympics to football, female athletes have opened up on the current situation in Afghanistan and how it might impact their future.&nbsp;

Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board head of media operations Hikmat Hassan also weighed in on the same and said that the Taliban "don't have any issue or problem with cricket" but the fate of women's cricket programmes, however, remains unclear.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-feel-miserable-afghan-karate-champion-fears-its-game-over-for-female-athletes-407109">'I feel miserable': Afghan karate champion fears it's game over for female athletes</a>

<img alt="Hikmat Hassan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7212676-d34a-49e5-9447-668f9f35e27b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ffff.PNG" />

"The Taliban don't have any issue or problem with cricket, and they have told us that we can continue our work as planned," said Hassan as quoted by Reuters. He added that the team was ready for three one day matches against Pakistan next month.&nbsp;

"We have completed our two training camps in Kabul and we have sponsors, a production team, and even the kit ready."

Amid the ongoing political crisis, the board has confirmed a one-day series against Pakistan will go ahead in Sri Lanka next month and said it was expanding the "Shpageeza" Twenty20 league competition.

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Hindukush Stars and Pamir Zalmiyan franchises inducted into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shpageeza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shpageeza</a> Cricket League as, for the first time in its history, the League will have 8 teams instead of six. The ownership rights were sold today amid a ceremony held at ACB. 
 
More: <a href="https://t.co/tQPZzxNqmq">https://t.co/tQPZzxNqmq</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/VizqhxJXdc">pic.twitter.com/VizqhxJXdc</a>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1428324420658114568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) 2021 signing ceremony. Eight franchises have been sold. We will launch it next month, In ShaaAllah <a href="https://t.co/rh5Ty7RCeg">pic.twitter.com/rh5Ty7RCeg</a>
— Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamidshinwari03/status/1428377642282143751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The official also said that the team should be able to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November.

"We are confident we will be able to take part and will be preparing for it over the coming weeks. I don't think there will be a problem," Hassan said.

However, when it comes to women in sports, there isn't any update yet and the future of the women's cricket programmes run by the ACB, which currently has 25 contracted female cricketers and several programmes for girls, remains uncertain.

Watch: Hundreds of Afghans fleeing Afghanistan face tough situations

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It is worth noting that women have also been assured their rights will be respected and that the Taliban will be "positively different" from their brutal 1996-2001 rule.&nbsp;

Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working and were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The future of sports in Afghanistan remains uncertain — especially the participation of women since the Taliban took over Kabul after routing government forces in order to end two decades of war.

The future of sports in Afghanistan remains uncertain — especially the participation of women since the Taliban took over Kabul after routing government forces in order to end two decades of war. From Paralympics to football, female athletes have opened up on the current situation in Afghanistan and how it might impact their future. Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board head of media operations Hikmat Hassan also weighed in on the same and said that the Taliban "don't have any issue or problem with cricket" but the fate of women's cricket programmes, however, remains unclear. ALSO READ | 'I feel miserable': Afghan karate champion fears it's game over for female athletes "The Taliban don't have any issue or problem with cricket, and they have told us that we can continue our work as planned," said Hassan as quoted by Reuters. He added that the team was ready for three one day matches against Pakistan next month. "We have completed our two training camps in Kabul and we have sponsors, a production team, and even the kit ready." Amid the ongoing political crisis, the board has confirmed a one-day series against Pakistan will go ahead in Sri Lanka next month and said it was expanding the "Shpageeza" Twenty20 league competition. Hindukush Stars and Pamir Zalmiyan franchises inducted into the #Shpageeza Cricket League as, for the first time in its history, the League will have 8 teams instead of six. The ownership rights were sold today amid a ceremony held at ACB. More: https://t.co/tQPZzxNqmq#SCL2021 pic.twitter.com/VizqhxJXdc — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) August 19, 2021 × Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) 2021 signing ceremony. Eight franchises have been sold. We will launch it next month, In ShaaAllah pic.twitter.com/rh5Ty7RCeg — Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) August 19, 2021 × ALSO READ | After Taliban's takeover, former Afghan women's football captain urges players to burn kits The official also said that the team should be able to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November. "We are confident we will be able to take part and will be preparing for it over the coming weeks. I don't think there will be a problem," Hassan said. However, when it comes to women in sports, there isn't any update yet and the future of the women's cricket programmes run by the ACB, which currently has 25 contracted female cricketers and several programmes for girls, remains uncertain. Watch: Hundreds of Afghans fleeing Afghanistan face tough situations × It is worth noting that women have also been assured their rights will be respected and that the Taliban will be "positively different" from their brutal 1996-2001 rule. Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working and were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public. (with inputs from agencies)

Taliban 'don't have any issue' with cricket; but status of smaller women's programmes unclear

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power.&nbsp;After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday. 
 
Rashid Khan, the famous Afghanistan cricketer, turned to Twitter to plead to "global leaders" to help bring peace to the country.

"Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos, thousand of innocent people, including children &amp; women, get martyred every day, houses &amp; properties being destructed. A thousand families displaced..Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans &amp; destroying Afghanistan (sic). We want peace," tweeted Rashid Khan.

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Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos,thousand of innocent people, including children &amp; women, get martyred everyday, houses &amp; properties being destructed.Thousand families displaced.. 
Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans &amp; destroying Afghaniatan🇦🇫. 
We want peace.🙏
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1425057234300641317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Since May, when the US-led military alliance began withdrawing its soldiers, Afghanistan's long-running conflict has gotten much worse. The drill is expected to be finished by the end of the month.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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Following the Taliban's takeover of numerous districts across the nation, US intelligence assessments have warned that the country's civilian government may fall to the jihadist organisation within months of US soldiers leaving.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power. After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power. After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday. Rashid Khan, the famous Afghanistan cricketer, turned to Twitter to plead to "global leaders" to help bring peace to the country. "Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos, thousand of innocent people, including children & women, get martyred every day, houses & properties being destructed. A thousand families displaced..Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans & destroying Afghanistan (sic). We want peace," tweeted Rashid Khan. Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos,thousand of innocent people, including children & women, get martyred everyday, houses & properties being destructed.Thousand families displaced.. Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans & destroying Afghaniatan🇦🇫. We want peace.🙏 — Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) August 10, 2021 × Since May, when the US-led military alliance began withdrawing its soldiers, Afghanistan's long-running conflict has gotten much worse. The drill is expected to be finished by the end of the month. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing Following the Taliban's takeover of numerous districts across the nation, US intelligence assessments have warned that the country's civilian government may fall to the jihadist organisation within months of US soldiers leaving. (With inputs from agencies)

Dear world leaders, don't leave Afghanistan in chaos: Cricketer Rashid Khan

In what can be termed as unusual incident in franchise cricket, 40-year-old owner of Kabul Eagles made his T20 debut in the ongoing Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League for his team in a match this week. Abudl Latif Ayobi, the owner of Kabul Eagles franchise, bowled one over while giving away 16 runs but was banned from the remainder of the tournament by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for misbehaving a day after the incident took place.

Ayoubi was in the playing XI for his team Kabul Eagles in the match against Speen Ghar Tigers on September 13 with the latter posting 142-8 in 20 overs which included the one over by the Kabul Eagles owner Ayoubi, who conceded 16. Eagles went onto win the match as they chase down the target in 17.5 overs.

According to ACB, Ayoubi was banned from attending the remained of the tournament after violating “Articles 9 &amp;18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code, which deals with “misbehaviour with Staff or players, using foul language &amp; damaging property.”

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-updated-squad-list-of-all-the-franchises-retained-and-bought-players-326654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all franchises; retained and bought players</a>

“@TheKabulEagles franchise owner Ab.Latif Ayobi is banned from attending the remainder of #Etisalat4GSCL2020 &amp; fined 30000 AFNs for violation of Articles 9 &amp;18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code which deals with misbehavior with Staff or players, using foul language &amp; damaging property,” Afghanistan Cricket Board tweeted on September 14.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/TheKabulEagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheKabulEagles</a> franchise owner Ab.Latif Ayobi is banned from attending the remainder of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Etisalat4GSCL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Etisalat4GSCL2020</a> &amp; fined 30000 AFNs for violation of Articles 9 &amp;18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code which deals with misbehavior with Staff or players, using foul language &amp; damaging property.
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1305488447537401856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Kabul Eagles went on to defeat Mis-e-Ainak Knights in the summit clash to win the Shpageeza Cricket League 2020.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-and-jasprit-bumrah-involve-in-fun-banter-on-twitter-ahead-of-ipl-2020-327986">Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah involve in fun banter on Twitter ahead of IPL</a>

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WATCH: The moments when the <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKabulEagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheKabulEagles</a> became the CHAMPIONS of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Etisalat4GSCL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Etisalat4GSCL2020</a> !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DaAtalanoLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DaAtalanoLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KEvMEAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KEvMEAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwEFTCFaDx">pic.twitter.com/AwEFTCFaDx</a>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1306206891454988290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In what can be termed as unusual incident in franchise cricket, 40-year-old owner of Kabul Eagles made his T20 debut in the ongoing Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League for his team in a match this week.

In what can be termed as unusual incident in franchise cricket, 40-year-old owner of Kabul Eagles made his T20 debut in the ongoing Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League for his team in a match this week. Abudl Latif Ayobi, the owner of Kabul Eagles franchise, bowled one over while giving away 16 runs but was banned from the remainder of the tournament by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for misbehaving a day after the incident took place. Ayoubi was in the playing XI for his team Kabul Eagles in the match against Speen Ghar Tigers on September 13 with the latter posting 142-8 in 20 overs which included the one over by the Kabul Eagles owner Ayoubi, who conceded 16. Eagles went onto win the match as they chase down the target in 17.5 overs. According to ACB, Ayoubi was banned from attending the remained of the tournament after violating “Articles 9 &18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code, which deals with “misbehaviour with Staff or players, using foul language & damaging property.” IN PICS | IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all franchises; retained and bought players “@TheKabulEagles franchise owner Ab.Latif Ayobi is banned from attending the remainder of #Etisalat4GSCL2020 & fined 30000 AFNs for violation of Articles 9 &18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code which deals with misbehavior with Staff or players, using foul language & damaging property,” Afghanistan Cricket Board tweeted on September 14. @TheKabulEagles franchise owner Ab.Latif Ayobi is banned from attending the remainder of #Etisalat4GSCL2020 & fined 30000 AFNs for violation of Articles 9 &18 of the ACB Disciplinary Code which deals with misbehavior with Staff or players, using foul language & damaging property. — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 14, 2020 × Meanwhile, Kabul Eagles went on to defeat Mis-e-Ainak Knights in the summit clash to win the Shpageeza Cricket League 2020. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah involve in fun banter on Twitter ahead of IPL WATCH: The moments when the @TheKabulEagles became the CHAMPIONS of #Etisalat4GSCL2020 !#Final #DaAtalanoLeague #KEvMEAK pic.twitter.com/AwEFTCFaDx — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 16, 2020 ×

Team owner debuts in  Afghanistan's Shpageeza Cricket League, gets banned for misbehaviour by ACB

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here.

Sher Khan, who is 8 feet and two-inch tall, visited several hotels in search of a place to stay but no hotel allegedly agreed to rent him a room courtesy to his height.

Disappointed and alone in a new city, Khan approached police for help which took him to a Hotel Rajdhani in Naka area where he spent Tuesday night.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel to see the tall who is a resident of Kabul.

"As many as 200 people have come to see him. He is very disturbed," hotel owner Ranu told ANI on Wednesday.

Due to the people gathered outside the hotel, the police had to escort Khan to Ekana Stadium where the international match is being played. Ranu said the man will be staying in the city for the next four to five days.&nbsp;

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here.

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here. Sher Khan, who is 8 feet and two-inch tall, visited several hotels in search of a place to stay but no hotel allegedly agreed to rent him a room courtesy to his height. Disappointed and alone in a new city, Khan approached police for help which took him to a Hotel Rajdhani in Naka area where he spent Tuesday night. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel to see the tall who is a resident of Kabul. "As many as 200 people have come to see him. He is very disturbed," hotel owner Ranu told ANI on Wednesday. Due to the people gathered outside the hotel, the police had to escort Khan to Ekana Stadium where the international match is being played. Ranu said the man will be staying in the city for the next four to five days.

Eight-feet tall Afghan cricket fan struggles to find accommodation in India

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday.

The visitors — playing only their third Test ever — reduced Bangladesh to 136-6 before rain forced early stumps on the fourth day, with the hosts, who were set a record target of 398 runs, still needing 262.

The highest successful run chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by New Zealand at the same ground in 2008.

"Yes, we are bit excited because we are in a good position," Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai said.

"It means a lot to be honest," he added.

"The people know about us good enough in white-ball cricket. We've discussed in our dressing room that this Test match is very important for us to win because we want to show we can play Test cricket."

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ICYMI: After a terrific spin-bowling performance in Chattogram, Afghanistan are just four wickets away from their second Test victory in three games.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvAFG</a> day four report ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ">https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1170705851864244226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Skipper Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten on 39 runs, giving a little hope to Bangladesh amid the gloom at the Zahur Ahmed Stadium, where rain interrupted play in all three sessions much to Afghanistan's frustration.

Shakib will resume the fifth day's play along with Soumya Sarkar, the last recognised batsman for Bangladesh, who was yet to open his account.

Shakib seemed to be preparing for a loss.

"The realistic result is we are very close to defeat. Unless there is some rain... probably we are losing," he said.

Rashid, who made his debut as youngest-ever Test captain, led Afghanistan from the front, finishing the day with 3-46 while left-arm chinaman Zahir claimed 2-36 runs.

Retiring all-rounder Mohammad Nabi claimed the other wicket.

Zahir started the victory push when he dismissed opener Liton Das, who was trapped leg before for nine two balls after a caught-behind decision against him was overturned by the TV umpire on review.

One-down Mosaddek Hossain chased a ball from him wide outside the off-stump to give a catch to Asghar Afghan at long off after making 12 runs.

Rashid trapped Mushfiqur Rahim plumb in front after the former Bangladesh skipper started confidently to make 23 off 25 balls.

Rashid delivered another blow in his next over to dismiss Mominul Haque out lbw for three.

Nabi removed Shadman Islam, who made 41 runs, the highest for Bangladesh so far in the second innings.

Rashid then snapped the wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad for seven before rain provided the home side some respite.&nbsp;

Earlier, resuming at 237-8 after more than two hours' delay due to drizzle, Afghanistan added 23 runs to their overnight score before they were all out for 260, which took their lead close to the 400-run mark.

Yamin Ahmadzai was run out for nine and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan removed last man Zahir, leaving Zazai stranded on 48.

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday.

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday. The visitors — playing only their third Test ever — reduced Bangladesh to 136-6 before rain forced early stumps on the fourth day, with the hosts, who were set a record target of 398 runs, still needing 262. The highest successful run chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by New Zealand at the same ground in 2008. "Yes, we are bit excited because we are in a good position," Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai said. "It means a lot to be honest," he added. "The people know about us good enough in white-ball cricket. We've discussed in our dressing room that this Test match is very important for us to win because we want to show we can play Test cricket." ICYMI: After a terrific spin-bowling performance in Chattogram, Afghanistan are just four wickets away from their second Test victory in three games.#BANvAFG day four report ⬇️https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ — ICC (@ICC) September 8, 2019 × Skipper Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten on 39 runs, giving a little hope to Bangladesh amid the gloom at the Zahur Ahmed Stadium, where rain interrupted play in all three sessions much to Afghanistan's frustration. Shakib will resume the fifth day's play along with Soumya Sarkar, the last recognised batsman for Bangladesh, who was yet to open his account. Shakib seemed to be preparing for a loss. "The realistic result is we are very close to defeat. Unless there is some rain... probably we are losing," he said. Rashid, who made his debut as youngest-ever Test captain, led Afghanistan from the front, finishing the day with 3-46 while left-arm chinaman Zahir claimed 2-36 runs. Retiring all-rounder Mohammad Nabi claimed the other wicket. Zahir started the victory push when he dismissed opener Liton Das, who was trapped leg before for nine two balls after a caught-behind decision against him was overturned by the TV umpire on review. One-down Mosaddek Hossain chased a ball from him wide outside the off-stump to give a catch to Asghar Afghan at long off after making 12 runs. Rashid trapped Mushfiqur Rahim plumb in front after the former Bangladesh skipper started confidently to make 23 off 25 balls. Rashid delivered another blow in his next over to dismiss Mominul Haque out lbw for three. Nabi removed Shadman Islam, who made 41 runs, the highest for Bangladesh so far in the second innings. Rashid then snapped the wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad for seven before rain provided the home side some respite. Earlier, resuming at 237-8 after more than two hours' delay due to drizzle, Afghanistan added 23 runs to their overnight score before they were all out for 260, which took their lead close to the 400-run mark. Yamin Ahmadzai was run out for nine and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan removed last man Zahir, leaving Zazai stranded on 48.

BANvAFG: Spinners take Afghanistan close to historic win

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day.

Mominul Haque scored the only half-century for Bangladesh, 52 off 71 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 44 to spare some blushes for the home side against the Test minnows.

Bangladesh lost a wicket in the very first over of their innings when Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed opener Shadman Islam for nought but Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das steadied the innings with a 49-run stand.

Mohammad Nabi removed Soumya leg-before for 17 before Rashid introduced himself in the attack with immediate impact as he bowled Liton for 33.

Rashid unleashed further destruction in his fifth over, trapping Shakib Al Hasan leg before for 11 and removing Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck two balls later as Bangladesh were reduced to 88-5 at tea.

They did no better after play resumed in the final session as Rashid, who made his debut as the youngest ever Test captain in this Test, bowled Mahmudullah Riyad for seven and left others with little clue against his leg-spin.

Mominul launched a counter-attack to bring his fifty off 69 balls but paid the price for his aggression as he gave a catch to Asghar Afghan at mid-off off Mohammad Nabi, who finished the day with 2-53.

Mosaddek survived the day with tail-ender Taijul Islam, 14 not out, but Bangladesh still face a mountain to climb, trailing Afghanistan by 148 runs in the first innings with just two wickets in hand.

"We believe that we have a chance to win the match. Today the rain favoured Bangladeshi batsmen as the ball became wet and it was not easy to turn away," said Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmed, referring to a brief rain interval in the final session.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan lamented their lack of application with bat.

"Maybe we could apply better. Mosaddek and Taijul showed it was possible to survive here. If we had applied better we could have been in a better position," he said.

Rashid earlier led Afghanistan's batting charge with his maiden Test fifty after they lost early wickets, having resumed the second day's play at 271-5.

Former skipper Asghar, who was unbeaten on 88 overnight, managed to add just four runs to his score before gifting his wicket to left-arm spinner Taijul, just eight runs short of what would have been his first Test century.

Taijul then bowled the other overnight batsman Afsar Zazai for 41 but Rashid, making his debut as the youngest-ever Test captain, launched a counterattack.

Shakib struck back to remove tail-enders Qais Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai for nine and zero respectively but Rashid fought on, bringing up his 50 in as many balls.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan took a sharp catch off his own bowling to stop Rashid's onslaught and end Afghanistan's innings.

Taijul finished with 4-116 for Bangladesh while Shakib and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed two wickets each.

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day.

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day. Mominul Haque scored the only half-century for Bangladesh, 52 off 71 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 44 to spare some blushes for the home side against the Test minnows. Bangladesh lost a wicket in the very first over of their innings when Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed opener Shadman Islam for nought but Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das steadied the innings with a 49-run stand. Mohammad Nabi removed Soumya leg-before for 17 before Rashid introduced himself in the attack with immediate impact as he bowled Liton for 33. Rashid unleashed further destruction in his fifth over, trapping Shakib Al Hasan leg before for 11 and removing Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck two balls later as Bangladesh were reduced to 88-5 at tea. They did no better after play resumed in the final session as Rashid, who made his debut as the youngest ever Test captain in this Test, bowled Mahmudullah Riyad for seven and left others with little clue against his leg-spin. Mominul launched a counter-attack to bring his fifty off 69 balls but paid the price for his aggression as he gave a catch to Asghar Afghan at mid-off off Mohammad Nabi, who finished the day with 2-53. Mosaddek survived the day with tail-ender Taijul Islam, 14 not out, but Bangladesh still face a mountain to climb, trailing Afghanistan by 148 runs in the first innings with just two wickets in hand. "We believe that we have a chance to win the match. Today the rain favoured Bangladeshi batsmen as the ball became wet and it was not easy to turn away," said Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmed, referring to a brief rain interval in the final session. Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan lamented their lack of application with bat. "Maybe we could apply better. Mosaddek and Taijul showed it was possible to survive here. If we had applied better we could have been in a better position," he said. Rashid earlier led Afghanistan's batting charge with his maiden Test fifty after they lost early wickets, having resumed the second day's play at 271-5. Former skipper Asghar, who was unbeaten on 88 overnight, managed to add just four runs to his score before gifting his wicket to left-arm spinner Taijul, just eight runs short of what would have been his first Test century. Taijul then bowled the other overnight batsman Afsar Zazai for 41 but Rashid, making his debut as the youngest-ever Test captain, launched a counterattack. Shakib struck back to remove tail-enders Qais Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai for nine and zero respectively but Rashid fought on, bringing up his 50 in as many balls. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan took a sharp catch off his own bowling to stop Rashid's onslaught and end Afghanistan's innings. Taijul finished with 4-116 for Bangladesh while Shakib and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed two wickets each.

BANvAFG: Rashid's all-round show puts Afghanistan on top

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper&nbsp;Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019&nbsp;citing a knee injury.&nbsp;

Shahzad, however, has blamed&nbsp;the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad.&nbsp;

"My injury wasn't that severe. It was not an injury that required 2-3 months of recovery time. The board is to be blamed for my withdrawal from the Afghanistan squad. I was feeling good, they did not mention anything to me before the replacement," Shahzad told ANI.

Shahzad was&nbsp;training ahead of the New Zealand game when he got the news of his withdrawal. He said even his teammates were not aware of the decision.&nbsp;

He was replaced by Ikram Ali Khil for the New Zeland game.&nbsp;

"I don't know why the board officials don't like me. I am a straight forward person and this attitude is not liked by many in the board," he added.&nbsp;

But ACB chief executive Asadullah Khan has claimed otherwise in media reports.&nbsp;

"What he is saying is completely wrong. A proper medical report to the ICC was submitted and then only his replacement was announced. The team could not have fielded an unfit player. I understand he is upset at not being part of World Cup anymore but the team could not have compromised on his fitness," he said.&nbsp;

Shahzad, on the other hand, asked&nbsp;ICC to look into this issue and not release media reports about injuries without taking stock of the full injury update.

"Even ICC needs to pay attention to the matter. They issue reports and then our board withdraws us from the squad, the matter clearly needs to be looked into," Shahzad said.&nbsp;

Shahzad has failed to score runs and made several mistakes while keeping.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has so far lost its three opening matches - against Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand - in the ongoing World Cup.

The team will next take on South Africa on June 15.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 citing a knee injury. Shahzad, however, has blamed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad.

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 citing a knee injury. Shahzad, however, has blamed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad. "My injury wasn't that severe. It was not an injury that required 2-3 months of recovery time. The board is to be blamed for my withdrawal from the Afghanistan squad. I was feeling good, they did not mention anything to me before the replacement," Shahzad told ANI. Shahzad was training ahead of the New Zealand game when he got the news of his withdrawal. He said even his teammates were not aware of the decision. He was replaced by Ikram Ali Khil for the New Zeland game. "I don't know why the board officials don't like me. I am a straight forward person and this attitude is not liked by many in the board," he added. But ACB chief executive Asadullah Khan has claimed otherwise in media reports. "What he is saying is completely wrong. A proper medical report to the ICC was submitted and then only his replacement was announced. The team could not have fielded an unfit player. I understand he is upset at not being part of World Cup anymore but the team could not have compromised on his fitness," he said. Shahzad, on the other hand, asked ICC to look into this issue and not release media reports about injuries without taking stock of the full injury update. "Even ICC needs to pay attention to the matter. They issue reports and then our board withdraws us from the squad, the matter clearly needs to be looked into," Shahzad said. Shahzad has failed to score runs and made several mistakes while keeping. Afghanistan has so far lost its three opening matches - against Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand - in the ongoing World Cup. The team will next take on South Africa on June 15.

Mohammad Shahzad blames Afghanistan Cricket Board for his withdrawal from World Cup squad

Nuwan Pradeep and Lasith Malinga starred with the ball as Sri Lanka fought back to crush Afghanistan's hopes of a memorable World Cup victory on Tuesday.

Afghanistan, bidding for just their second win in a World Cup match and their first over a Test nation were in command halfway through a gloomy day in Cardiff after dismissing Sri Lanka for 201,.

But faced with a rain-revised target of 187 in 41 overs, their batting let them down again as they were bowled out for 152.

Victory saw Sri Lanka bounce back from a 10-wicket thrashing by New Zealand in their World Cup opener.

Pradeep took a career-best four for 31, while Malinga (three for 39) struck at both ends of the innings, finishing the match with a trademark yorker that bowled Hamid Hassan.

Afghanistan had slumped to 57 for five, with Thisara Perera holding a brilliant running catch in the deep to dismiss Hazratullah Zazai on the hook for 30.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib (23) and Najibullah Zadran (43) then started to turn the match again with a sixth-wicket stand of 64.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in numbers:
<img alt="Match 7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a3cdc17-83ab-48ea-8928-f433c5526732" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%207.jpg" />
But paceman Pradeep struck twice, having Naib lbw before bowling Rashid Khan to leave Afghanistan 123 for seven.

And when Najibullah was run out by a direct hit from Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, Afghanistan were all but beaten at nine down.

Earlier, Sri Lanka came out of the blocks quickly against the unfancied Afghans, who suffered a seven-wicket loss to champions Australia in their tournament opener, and were set for an imposing total at 144 for one.

But they lost their last nine wickets for 57 runs, Mohammad Nabi taking three in five balls after Gulbadin won the toss.

Shell-shocked Sri Lanka kept on&nbsp;losing wickets at regular intervals, with 35 extras the second-highest scorer of the innings behind Kusal Perera's 78.

A dramatic 22nd over saw Nabi bowled Lahiru Thirimanne for 25 before having Kusal Mendis caught by Rahmat Shah in the slips for two.&nbsp;

Angelo Mathews was next to go, for a duck, also caught by Shah.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan eventually got in on the act when he had opener Kusal Perera, who had seen wickets tumble at the other end, caught behind.

Rain then intervened, forcing the players from the field,&nbsp;with Sri Lanka 182-8.

The delay meant the match was reduced to 41 overs a side but Sri Lanka folded quickly after the resumption, losing Malinga and Pradeep for the addition of just 19 more runs.

Afghanistan, playing in only their second World Cup, beat Sri Lanka soundly in last year's Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, but for the second match in a row this World Cup their batting let them down.

Completed scoreboard in the World Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Tuesday:

Sri Lanka

D&nbsp;Karunaratne c Najibullah b Nabi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30

K&nbsp;Perera c Shahzad b Rashid &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;78

L&nbsp;Thirimanne b Nabi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25

K Mendis c Rahmat b Nabi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

A&nbsp;Mathews c Rahmat b Nabi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0

D&nbsp;de Silva c Shahzad b Hamid &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0

T&nbsp;Perera run out (Hashmatullah/Shahzad) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2

I&nbsp;Udana b Dawlat &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10

S&nbsp;Lakmal not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15

L&nbsp;Malinga b Dawlat &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

N&nbsp;Pradeep b Rashid &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0

Extras (lb10, nb3, w22) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35

Total (all out, 36.5 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;201

Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Karunaratne), 2-144 (Thirimanne), 3-146 (Mendis), 4-146 (Mathews), 5-149 (De Silva), 6-159 (Perera), 7-178 (Udana), 8-180 (Perera), 9-199 (Malinga), 10-201 (Pradeep)

Bowling: Dawlat 6-0-34-2 (3w); Hamid 7-0-53-1 (2w); Mujeeb 3-0-19-0 (1w); Nabi 9-0-30-4 (1w); Gulbadin 4-0-38-0 (3nb, 2w); Rashid 7.5-1-17-2 (1w)

Afghanistan (revised target 187 in 41 overs)

Mohammad Shahzad c Karunratne b Malinga &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7

Hazratullah Zazai c Perera b Pradeep &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30

Rahmat Shah c Mathews b Udana &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

Hashmatullah Shahidi c Perera b Pradeep &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

Mohammad Nabi b Perera &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11

Gulbadin Naib lbw b Pradeep &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23

Najibullah Zadran run out (Karunaratne) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;43

Rashid Khan b Pradeep &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

Dawlat Zadran b Malinga &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

Hamid Hassan b Malinga &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

Extras (b1, nb1, w15) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

Total (all out, 32.4 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;152

Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Shahzad), 2-42 (Rahmat), 3-44 (Hazratullah), 4-57 (Hashmatullah), 5-57 (Nabi), 6-121 (Gulbadin), 7-123 (Rashid), 8-136 (Dawlat), 9-145 (Najibullah), 10-152 (Hamid)

Bowling: Malinga 6.4-0-39-3 (3w); Lakmal 6-0-27-0 (2w); Udana 6-0-28-1 (1nb); Pradeep 9-1-31-4 (4w); Perera 4-0-19-1 (2w), De Silva 1-0-7-0

Nuwan Pradeep and Lasith Malinga starred with the ball as Sri Lanka fought back to crush Afghanistan's hopes of a memorable World Cup victory on Tuesday. Afghanistan, bidding for just their second win in a World Cup match and their first over a Test nation were in command halfway through a gloomy day in Cardiff after dismissing Sri Lanka for 201,.

Nuwan Pradeep and Lasith Malinga starred with the ball as Sri Lanka fought back to crush Afghanistan's hopes of a memorable World Cup victory on Tuesday. Afghanistan, bidding for just their second win in a World Cup match and their first over a Test nation were in command halfway through a gloomy day in Cardiff after dismissing Sri Lanka for 201,. But faced with a rain-revised target of 187 in 41 overs, their batting let them down again as they were bowled out for 152. Victory saw Sri Lanka bounce back from a 10-wicket thrashing by New Zealand in their World Cup opener. Pradeep took a career-best four for 31, while Malinga (three for 39) struck at both ends of the innings, finishing the match with a trademark yorker that bowled Hamid Hassan. Afghanistan had slumped to 57 for five, with Thisara Perera holding a brilliant running catch in the deep to dismiss Hazratullah Zazai on the hook for 30. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib (23) and Najibullah Zadran (43) then started to turn the match again with a sixth-wicket stand of 64. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in numbers: But paceman Pradeep struck twice, having Naib lbw before bowling Rashid Khan to leave Afghanistan 123 for seven. And when Najibullah was run out by a direct hit from Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, Afghanistan were all but beaten at nine down. Earlier, Sri Lanka came out of the blocks quickly against the unfancied Afghans, who suffered a seven-wicket loss to champions Australia in their tournament opener, and were set for an imposing total at 144 for one. But they lost their last nine wickets for 57 runs, Mohammad Nabi taking three in five balls after Gulbadin won the toss. Shell-shocked Sri Lanka kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, with 35 extras the second-highest scorer of the innings behind Kusal Perera's 78. A dramatic 22nd over saw Nabi bowled Lahiru Thirimanne for 25 before having Kusal Mendis caught by Rahmat Shah in the slips for two. Angelo Mathews was next to go, for a duck, also caught by Shah. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan eventually got in on the act when he had opener Kusal Perera, who had seen wickets tumble at the other end, caught behind. Rain then intervened, forcing the players from the field, with Sri Lanka 182-8. The delay meant the match was reduced to 41 overs a side but Sri Lanka folded quickly after the resumption, losing Malinga and Pradeep for the addition of just 19 more runs. Afghanistan, playing in only their second World Cup, beat Sri Lanka soundly in last year's Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, but for the second match in a row this World Cup their batting let them down. Completed scoreboard in the World Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Tuesday: Sri Lanka D Karunaratne c Najibullah b Nabi 30 K Perera c Shahzad b Rashid 78 L Thirimanne b Nabi 25 K Mendis c Rahmat b Nabi 2 A Mathews c Rahmat b Nabi 0 D de Silva c Shahzad b Hamid 0 T Perera run out (Hashmatullah/Shahzad) 2 I Udana b Dawlat 10 S Lakmal not out 15 L Malinga b Dawlat 4 N Pradeep b Rashid 0 Extras (lb10, nb3, w22) 35 Total (all out, 36.5 overs) 201 Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Karunaratne), 2-144 (Thirimanne), 3-146 (Mendis), 4-146 (Mathews), 5-149 (De Silva), 6-159 (Perera), 7-178 (Udana), 8-180 (Perera), 9-199 (Malinga), 10-201 (Pradeep) Bowling: Dawlat 6-0-34-2 (3w); Hamid 7-0-53-1 (2w); Mujeeb 3-0-19-0 (1w); Nabi 9-0-30-4 (1w); Gulbadin 4-0-38-0 (3nb, 2w); Rashid 7.5-1-17-2 (1w) Afghanistan (revised target 187 in 41 overs) Mohammad Shahzad c Karunratne b Malinga 7 Hazratullah Zazai c Perera b Pradeep 30 Rahmat Shah c Mathews b Udana 2 Hashmatullah Shahidi c Perera b Pradeep 4 Mohammad Nabi b Perera 11 Gulbadin Naib lbw b Pradeep 23 Najibullah Zadran run out (Karunaratne) 43 Rashid Khan b Pradeep 2 Dawlat Zadran b Malinga 6 Hamid Hassan b Malinga 6 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 1 Extras (b1, nb1, w15) 17 Total (all out, 32.4 overs) 152 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Shahzad), 2-42 (Rahmat), 3-44 (Hazratullah), 4-57 (Hashmatullah), 5-57 (Nabi), 6-121 (Gulbadin), 7-123 (Rashid), 8-136 (Dawlat), 9-145 (Najibullah), 10-152 (Hamid) Bowling: Malinga 6.4-0-39-3 (3w); Lakmal 6-0-27-0 (2w); Udana 6-0-28-1 (1nb); Pradeep 9-1-31-4 (4w); Perera 4-0-19-1 (2w), De Silva 1-0-7-0

World Cup: Sri Lanka fight back to beat Afghanistan by 34 runs

Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday.

New Zealand thumped Sri Lanka without losing a single wicket in Cardiff on Saturday to begin their campaign in style after seam bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson skittled them out for 136.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne contributed an unbeaten 52 in that total as the Sri Lankan top-order's vulnerability in bowler-friendly conditions was exposed and Malinga said that a similar performance against Afghanistan would cost them dear.

"Patience is very important. We know these conditions, we can have someone get 60-70 runs and still the ball can move. Whoever the batsman is, he has to finish the game," Malinga told a news conference at the same venue.

"I feel players need to get confidence... we need to get mentally tough. The pressure is with us, yes, but we have to play free and do our best.

"At the moment we want to be concerned with our own skill and how we're going to play. (It is) a must-win game tomorrow. We'll try our best... in accuracy and tactically, everything hopefully will be there tomorrow."

Afghanistan fared only slightly better against defending champions Australia in their opener, losing by seven wickets, but Malinga is not taking them lightly.

"I think they have experienced players because most of them play in franchise cricket. They know how to accelerate and they have confidence," he added.

"The important thing is handling pressure... that's the big challenge for us."

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib, meanwhile, said his team were targeting a morale-boosting victory against the former champions to get back on track.

"We have the opportunity to do well against them. I hope if we play 50 overs, batting, then definitely we can beat them," he said.

"If we play 50 overs, maybe (it will be) difficult for them... I saw the Sri Lankans play and they've lost a few games in the last two years... they're struggling in one-day matches."

Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against World Cup dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday.

Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against World Cup dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday. New Zealand thumped Sri Lanka without losing a single wicket in Cardiff on Saturday to begin their campaign in style after seam bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson skittled them out for 136. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne contributed an unbeaten 52 in that total as the Sri Lankan top-order's vulnerability in bowler-friendly conditions was exposed and Malinga said that a similar performance against Afghanistan would cost them dear. "Patience is very important. We know these conditions, we can have someone get 60-70 runs and still the ball can move. Whoever the batsman is, he has to finish the game," Malinga told a news conference at the same venue. "I feel players need to get confidence... we need to get mentally tough. The pressure is with us, yes, but we have to play free and do our best. "At the moment we want to be concerned with our own skill and how we're going to play. (It is) a must-win game tomorrow. We'll try our best... in accuracy and tactically, everything hopefully will be there tomorrow." Afghanistan fared only slightly better against defending champions Australia in their opener, losing by seven wickets, but Malinga is not taking them lightly. "I think they have experienced players because most of them play in franchise cricket. They know how to accelerate and they have confidence," he added. "The important thing is handling pressure... that's the big challenge for us." Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib, meanwhile, said his team were targeting a morale-boosting victory against the former champions to get back on track. "We have the opportunity to do well against them. I hope if we play 50 overs, batting, then definitely we can beat them," he said. "If we play 50 overs, maybe (it will be) difficult for them... I saw the Sri Lankans play and they've lost a few games in the last two years... they're struggling in one-day matches."

'Players need to get confidence,' says Lasith Malinga ahead of Afghanistan clash

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part.

The world's best Twenty20 bowler, Rashid was just 18 when he exploded onto the world stage with the fourth best haul in one-day international history, taking seven for 18 to help Afghanistan beat West Indies in St Lucia.

Rashid was already an ODI veteran by then, having made his debut soon after his 17th birthday, and has since taken his career figures to 125 wickets at an average of 15.33 in 59 matches -- good enough for third spot in the ICC rankings.

His batting is good enough -- 798 runs at an average of 22.80 -- that he is number two in the world all-rounder rankings in ODIs but it his leg spin, most notably his devastating quick wrong 'un, that sets him apart.

"Rashid Khan is a once-in-a-lifetime bowler," Australia's Adam Zampa purred after a recent net session with the Afghan.

"The reason he runs in so fast is because he’s got really thick fingers and holds the ball right at the end. He bowls it right at the end and he's so hard to pick because he just uses the end of his fingers.

"I tried doing it but they were just slipping out, I was like 'this bloke is unbelievable'."

It is not only his wicket-taking that makes Rashid such a threat but his ability to contain batsmen as they look to pour on runs in the latter stages of an innings, a skill he illustrated in this year's Indian Premier League.

His teammate and fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the only active bowler more economical than Rashid in ODIs, even if much of their careers have been spent playing against teams from the lower end of the rankings.

Rashid did experience victories over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as a tie with a weakened India side when Afghanistan finished second at the Asian Cup last year but he knows the World Cup will be another step up.

Debutants without him at the last World Cup in 2015, Afghanistan secured just one victory over Scotland and were humbled by eventual champions Australia, who they meet in their opener at this year's edition on June 1 in Bristol.

They will continue to be an inspiration to their compatriots in their war-ravaged country whatever they do, of course, but Rashid thinks it is high time Afghanistan turned their undoubted talent into some kind of success.

"We have the skills, everything," Rashid told Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper earlier this month.

"We need to show the world we are not only good on paper ... We didn't do well in the past under pressure but I think this World Cup is about beating big teams and play good cricket like we did in the Asia Cup.

"It is time for us to deliver something."

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part.

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part. The world's best Twenty20 bowler, Rashid was just 18 when he exploded onto the world stage with the fourth best haul in one-day international history, taking seven for 18 to help Afghanistan beat West Indies in St Lucia. Rashid was already an ODI veteran by then, having made his debut soon after his 17th birthday, and has since taken his career figures to 125 wickets at an average of 15.33 in 59 matches -- good enough for third spot in the ICC rankings. His batting is good enough -- 798 runs at an average of 22.80 -- that he is number two in the world all-rounder rankings in ODIs but it his leg spin, most notably his devastating quick wrong 'un, that sets him apart. "Rashid Khan is a once-in-a-lifetime bowler," Australia's Adam Zampa purred after a recent net session with the Afghan. "The reason he runs in so fast is because he’s got really thick fingers and holds the ball right at the end. He bowls it right at the end and he's so hard to pick because he just uses the end of his fingers. "I tried doing it but they were just slipping out, I was like 'this bloke is unbelievable'." It is not only his wicket-taking that makes Rashid such a threat but his ability to contain batsmen as they look to pour on runs in the latter stages of an innings, a skill he illustrated in this year's Indian Premier League. His teammate and fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the only active bowler more economical than Rashid in ODIs, even if much of their careers have been spent playing against teams from the lower end of the rankings. Rashid did experience victories over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as a tie with a weakened India side when Afghanistan finished second at the Asian Cup last year but he knows the World Cup will be another step up. Debutants without him at the last World Cup in 2015, Afghanistan secured just one victory over Scotland and were humbled by eventual champions Australia, who they meet in their opener at this year's edition on June 1 in Bristol. They will continue to be an inspiration to their compatriots in their war-ravaged country whatever they do, of course, but Rashid thinks it is high time Afghanistan turned their undoubted talent into some kind of success. "We have the skills, everything," Rashid told Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper earlier this month. "We need to show the world we are not only good on paper ... We didn't do well in the past under pressure but I think this World Cup is about beating big teams and play good cricket like we did in the Asia Cup. "It is time for us to deliver something."

Participation not enough for Afghanistan poster boy Rashid Khan

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=ICC+Cricket+World+Cup">ICC Cricket World Cup</a> in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.&nbsp;

MD of Amul RS Sodhi&nbsp;speaking to WION on the announcement said, "Amul is the main sponsor. On the arm and jersey, we will have Amul logo. It's our first sponsorship of a cricket team. We have high hopes. Let us see how it goes."

Thanking, Amul, India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),&nbsp;Asadullah Khan, the CEO of Afghan cricket board told WION, "You know, cricket is number one sports in Afghanistan. Everyone love and likes cricket. Its good sign of peace. BCCI is helping us, and also the govt, it's a good opportunity. It will help in peace."

Amul is the first sponsor from India of an Afghan cricket team.

Asked about India's role in supporting Afghan cricket Asadullah said, "India has helped us. Embassy of India has helped us. They are making grounds. They making ground in Kandahar. They promised us, they will make a rehab center in Kabul for Afghan cricket."&nbsp;

India is helping building Kandahar cricket stadium. With a capacity of 14,000, the stadium is being built with $1million grant from India. New Delhi is also building a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif.&nbsp;

Other than this, India is providing two "home grounds"&nbsp;in Greater Noida and Dehradun for Afghan team and also, technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan Cricket Board.&nbsp;

Afghan team will play a warm-up match with Pakistan on May 24 with England on May 27.&nbsp;

The schedule of World Cup matches of Afghanistan team is as follows:&nbsp;

VS Australia on June 1 
VS Sri Lanka on June 4 
VS New Zealand on June 8 
VS South Africa on June 15 
VS England on June 18 
VS India on June 22 
VS Bangladesh on June 24 
VS Pakistan on June 29 
VS West Indes on July 4

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30. MD of Amul RS Sodhi speaking to WION on the announcement said, "Amul is the main sponsor. On the arm and jersey, we will have Amul logo. It's our first sponsorship of a cricket team. We have high hopes. Let us see how it goes." Thanking, Amul, India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Asadullah Khan, the CEO of Afghan cricket board told WION, "You know, cricket is number one sports in Afghanistan. Everyone love and likes cricket. Its good sign of peace. BCCI is helping us, and also the govt, it's a good opportunity. It will help in peace." Amul is the first sponsor from India of an Afghan cricket team. Asked about India's role in supporting Afghan cricket Asadullah said, "India has helped us. Embassy of India has helped us. They are making grounds. They making ground in Kandahar. They promised us, they will make a rehab center in Kabul for Afghan cricket." India is helping building Kandahar cricket stadium. With a capacity of 14,000, the stadium is being built with $1million grant from India. New Delhi is also building a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif. Other than this, India is providing two "home grounds" in Greater Noida and Dehradun for Afghan team and also, technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Afghan team will play a warm-up match with Pakistan on May 24 with England on May 27. The schedule of World Cup matches of Afghanistan team is as follows: VS Australia on June 1 VS Sri Lanka on June 4 VS New Zealand on June 8 VS South Africa on June 15 VS England on June 18 VS India on June 22 VS Bangladesh on June 24 VS Pakistan on June 29 VS West Indes on July 4

'Good sign of peace,' says Afghanistan cricket board on getting Indian sponsor for ICC World Cup 2019

Afghanistan replaced long-serving one-day international captain Asghar Afghan with Gulbadin Naib on Friday, less than two months before this year's 50-over World Cup in England and Wales.

Afghan, 31, took over the team's captaincy in 2015 after Mohammad Nabi had stepped down following the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Under his leadership, the war-torn South Asian country gained full membership status from the governing body International Cricket Council and also qualified for the 2019 World Cup.

Afghanistan's chief selector Dawalt Ahmadzai backed Naib to continue Afghan's legacy and said he was the right choice to lead the team at the World Cup.

"Asghar Afghan who captained team Afghanistan for a period of around four years achieved a lot and made the country proud," Ahmadzai said in a statement on the Afghan Cricket Board's (ACB) website.

"I hope Gulbadin Naib will be able to continue his legacy at the helm of the team's affairs."

However, the news did not go down well with Afghan's predecessor Nabi, who took to Twitter to question the timing of the change.

"Being a senior member of the side and having seen the rise of Afghanistan cricket, I don't think it's the right time to change the captain before the WC," Nabi said.

"The team has gelled really well under Asghar and I personally feel he is the right man to lead us."

The 28-year-old Naib, who bowls seam and bats in the middle order, has played 52 ODIs for Afghanistan since making his debut in 2011.

In wholesale changes to the leadership structure, all-rounder Rahmat Shah was appointed test captain replacing Afghan while leg-spinner Rashid Khan was put in charge of the Twenty20 team.

Rashid, who was also named vice-captain for the 50-over format, was even more vocal in his criticism of the move and called the decision to oust Afghan "irresponsible".

"With all the respect to the selection committee, I strongly disagree with the decision," Rashid said on Twitter. "As we have the cricket World Cup in front of us... Asghar Afghan should remain as our team captain.

"With just months to go for such a mega event like World Cup, changing the captain will cause uncertainty and also team morale will be affected."

The Afghan Cricket Board was not immediately available for comment.

Afghanistan will tour Scotland and Ireland next month to prepare for the World Cup and will also play an ODI each against Pakistan and England before kicking off their campaign against Australia on June 1.

Afghanistan replaced long-serving one-day international captain Asghar Afghan with Gulbadin Naib on Friday, less than two months before this year's 50-over World Cup in England and Wales.

Afghanistan replaced long-serving one-day international captain Asghar Afghan with Gulbadin Naib on Friday, less than two months before this year's 50-over World Cup in England and Wales. Afghan, 31, took over the team's captaincy in 2015 after Mohammad Nabi had stepped down following the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Under his leadership, the war-torn South Asian country gained full membership status from the governing body International Cricket Council and also qualified for the 2019 World Cup. Afghanistan's chief selector Dawalt Ahmadzai backed Naib to continue Afghan's legacy and said he was the right choice to lead the team at the World Cup. "Asghar Afghan who captained team Afghanistan for a period of around four years achieved a lot and made the country proud," Ahmadzai said in a statement on the Afghan Cricket Board's (ACB) website. "I hope Gulbadin Naib will be able to continue his legacy at the helm of the team's affairs." However, the news did not go down well with Afghan's predecessor Nabi, who took to Twitter to question the timing of the change. "Being a senior member of the side and having seen the rise of Afghanistan cricket, I don't think it's the right time to change the captain before the WC," Nabi said. "The team has gelled really well under Asghar and I personally feel he is the right man to lead us." The 28-year-old Naib, who bowls seam and bats in the middle order, has played 52 ODIs for Afghanistan since making his debut in 2011. In wholesale changes to the leadership structure, all-rounder Rahmat Shah was appointed test captain replacing Afghan while leg-spinner Rashid Khan was put in charge of the Twenty20 team. Rashid, who was also named vice-captain for the 50-over format, was even more vocal in his criticism of the move and called the decision to oust Afghan "irresponsible". "With all the respect to the selection committee, I strongly disagree with the decision," Rashid said on Twitter. "As we have the cricket World Cup in front of us... Asghar Afghan should remain as our team captain. "With just months to go for such a mega event like World Cup, changing the captain will cause uncertainty and also team morale will be affected." The Afghan Cricket Board was not immediately available for comment. Afghanistan will tour Scotland and Ireland next month to prepare for the World Cup and will also play an ODI each against Pakistan and England before kicking off their campaign against Australia on June 1.

Gulbadin Naib made Afghanistan ODI captain ahead of World Cup

Hazratullah Zazai smashed the ball to every corner of the ground, and even out of the stadium, as Afghanistan racked up a world record T20 score of 278-3 in a crushing demolition of Ireland on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Zazai's unbeaten 162 included 16 sixes and 11 fours, delighting Afghan fans in the Indian city of Dehradun.

His haul of sixes was another record, as was his stand of 236 with fellow opener Usman Ghani and the 22 sixes scored in all by Afganistan's players.&nbsp;

Ireland captain Paul Stirling also hit a six off the first ball of his side's innings as they chased a mammoth 13.95 runs an over to keep up.&nbsp;

But they ended on 194-6 and Afghanistan won by 84 runs to wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare.

"It was a pretty disappointing night," said Stirling. "We need to regroup now."

The night of cricket fireworks belonged to Afghanistan -- who overtook Australia's 260-3 against Sri Lanka in 2016 -- and Zazai, who plundered his giant innings off just 62 balls.

"I just wanted to play my natural game and today was my day," he said. "The wicket was good for batting."

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Did you lose track of the many, many records that fell during Afghanistan's victory over Ireland yesterday? 
 
This should come in handy.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvIRE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvIRE</a> READ 👇<a href="https://t.co/W5gu5yYefQ">https://t.co/W5gu5yYefQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/c8e1Na37es">pic.twitter.com/c8e1Na37es</a>
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Sixes galore

After managing just seven runs from their first two overs, Zazai and Ghani flailed the Irish bowlers, who from then barely managed an over without conceding a six.

Zazai made his century off just 42 balls -- the second quickest in T20 internationals -- completed with the ninth six of his innings. Four of the sixes came off Kevin O'Brien in the 17th over which reaped 28 runs in all.

One giant hit off Shane Gelkate went over the stands and out of the ground.

Zazai's stocks have risen dramatically despite missing a place in the Indian Premier League this season were dashed.&nbsp;

In October, he became only the third batsman to hit six sixes in a T20 over for his Afghanistan Premier League side Kabul Zwanan.

He equalled the record for the fastest T20 half-century in 12 balls in the same match.

Stirling hardly knew who to throw into the breach as a bowler.&nbsp;

Boyd Rankin finally claimed a wicket for the Irish when Ghani -- who made 73 off 43 balls -- played a careless shot over long-on that Joshua Little caught diving as he ran in from the boundary.

While Stirling and Kevin O'Brien were no slouches, they never kept up with the mountainous run rate, which had risen to 17 by the 10th over.

Afghanistan's star bowler Rashid Khan came on for the 11th over and was furious when captain Asghar Afghan spilled a relatively simple catch off his first ball to give O'Brien a chance with Ireland on 109.&nbsp;

O'Brien was bowled in the next over by Fareed Ahmad for a 37 which included two sixes.

Rashid bowled Andy Balbirnie in the following over for two and Stirling started to run out of reliable partners.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed Stirling -- who as a consolation made Ireland's top T20 score of 91 off 50 balls -- when he was caught by replacement Najeeb Tarakai on the boundary.

The final match of the series is on Sunday. The two play five one-day internationals from February 28 and a one-off Test in March.

Hazratullah Zazai smashed the ball to every corner of the ground, and even out of the stadium, as Afghanistan racked up a world record T20 score of 278-3 in a crushing demolition of Ireland on Saturday.

Hazratullah Zazai smashed the ball to every corner of the ground, and even out of the stadium, as Afghanistan racked up a world record T20 score of 278-3 in a crushing demolition of Ireland on Saturday. The 20-year-old Zazai's unbeaten 162 included 16 sixes and 11 fours, delighting Afghan fans in the Indian city of Dehradun. His haul of sixes was another record, as was his stand of 236 with fellow opener Usman Ghani and the 22 sixes scored in all by Afganistan's players. Ireland captain Paul Stirling also hit a six off the first ball of his side's innings as they chased a mammoth 13.95 runs an over to keep up. But they ended on 194-6 and Afghanistan won by 84 runs to wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare. "It was a pretty disappointing night," said Stirling. "We need to regroup now." The night of cricket fireworks belonged to Afghanistan -- who overtook Australia's 260-3 against Sri Lanka in 2016 -- and Zazai, who plundered his giant innings off just 62 balls. "I just wanted to play my natural game and today was my day," he said. "The wicket was good for batting." Did you lose track of the many, many records that fell during Afghanistan's victory over Ireland yesterday? This should come in handy.#AFGvIRE READ 👇https://t.co/W5gu5yYefQ pic.twitter.com/c8e1Na37es — ICC (@ICC) February 24, 2019 × Sixes galore After managing just seven runs from their first two overs, Zazai and Ghani flailed the Irish bowlers, who from then barely managed an over without conceding a six. Zazai made his century off just 42 balls -- the second quickest in T20 internationals -- completed with the ninth six of his innings. Four of the sixes came off Kevin O'Brien in the 17th over which reaped 28 runs in all. One giant hit off Shane Gelkate went over the stands and out of the ground. Zazai's stocks have risen dramatically despite missing a place in the Indian Premier League this season were dashed. In October, he became only the third batsman to hit six sixes in a T20 over for his Afghanistan Premier League side Kabul Zwanan. He equalled the record for the fastest T20 half-century in 12 balls in the same match. Stirling hardly knew who to throw into the breach as a bowler. Boyd Rankin finally claimed a wicket for the Irish when Ghani -- who made 73 off 43 balls -- played a careless shot over long-on that Joshua Little caught diving as he ran in from the boundary. While Stirling and Kevin O'Brien were no slouches, they never kept up with the mountainous run rate, which had risen to 17 by the 10th over. Afghanistan's star bowler Rashid Khan came on for the 11th over and was furious when captain Asghar Afghan spilled a relatively simple catch off his first ball to give O'Brien a chance with Ireland on 109. O'Brien was bowled in the next over by Fareed Ahmad for a 37 which included two sixes. Rashid bowled Andy Balbirnie in the following over for two and Stirling started to run out of reliable partners. Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed Stirling -- who as a consolation made Ireland's top T20 score of 91 off 50 balls -- when he was caught by replacement Najeeb Tarakai on the boundary. The final match of the series is on Sunday. The two play five one-day internationals from February 28 and a one-off Test in March.

Afghanistan hit world record T20 score as Hazratullah Zazai demolishes Ireland bowlers

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position.

In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one.

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RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! 
 
The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a>. ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh">https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh</a> <a href="https://t.co/BiAvDja7Zs">pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1046286839668047872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position.

Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India.

Indian opener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-attains-career-best-ranking-after-asia-cup-glory-168537">Rohit Sharma&nbsp;has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position</a> in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup. Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position. In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one. RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the @MRFWorldwide ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the #AsiaCup2018. ⬇️https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs — ICC (@ICC) September 30, 2018 × While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position. Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India. Indian opener Rohit Sharma has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan jumps to No.1 in ODI all-rounder rankings

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup.

India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni. &nbsp;

Talking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament get a chance," Dhoni said.

"They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl. I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captainship. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters, he added."

Talking about their strategy for today, Afghan skipper Asghar Afghan said, "We will bat first. Today, the wicket might spin. We would like to put runs on the board and apply pressure. We have made two changes. Samiullah and Ihsanullah are not playing. Najibullah and Javed Ahmadi come in. We played well, but we lost two games. It's part of the game. Today we will look to play confidently."

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

India qualified for the Asia Cup final after defeating Pakistan by nine-wickets.&nbsp;

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup. India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup. India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni. Talking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament get a chance," Dhoni said. "They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl. I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captainship. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters, he added." Talking about their strategy for today, Afghan skipper Asghar Afghan said, "We will bat first. Today, the wicket might spin. We would like to put runs on the board and apply pressure. We have made two changes. Samiullah and Ihsanullah are not playing. Najibullah and Javed Ahmadi come in. We played well, but we lost two games. It's part of the game. Today we will look to play confidently." Teams: India (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman India qualified for the Asia Cup final after defeating Pakistan by nine-wickets.

Asia Cup: Afghanistan win toss, elect to bat against India

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three runs in a sensational finish to the Super Four game of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

Needing eight to win in the last over, Afghanistan scored four after they were set 250 to win, finishing on 246-7.

Bangladesh had made 249-7 in their 50 overs.

Bangladesh's win means India sailed into the September 28 final in Dubai while Pakistan and Bangladesh meet in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to decide the second finalist.

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three runs in a sensational finish to the Super Four game of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday. Needing eight to win in the last over, Afghanistan scored four after they were set 250 to win, finishing on 246-7.

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three runs in a sensational finish to the Super Four game of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday. Needing eight to win in the last over, Afghanistan scored four after they were set 250 to win, finishing on 246-7. Bangladesh had made 249-7 in their 50 overs. Bangladesh's win means India sailed into the September 28 final in Dubai while Pakistan and Bangladesh meet in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to decide the second finalist.

Asia Cup 2018: Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three runs

Mahmudullah Riyad and Imarul Kayes knocked half centuries to lift Bangladesh to a fighting 249-7 in their Super Four Stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Riyad scored 81-ball 74 with two sixes and three boundaries while Kayes,&nbsp;recalled as a back-up to strengthen the batting,&nbsp;made 89 ball 72 not out to help Bangladesh recover from a precarious 5-87 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Opener Liton Das scored 41 and Mushfiqur Rahim made 33 but Bangaldesh - who won the toss and batted -- owed their total to a solid 128-run stand for the sixth wicket between Riyad and Kayes.

Kayes gave good support to Riyad as the two built the innings after Bangladesh's star batsman Shakib Al Hasan was run out for nought.

Kayes hit six boundaries as Bangladesh played the dangerous spinning duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman who managed a wicket each.

Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lost their opening Super Four matches, need a win to stay in the hunt for the September 28th final in Dubai. &nbsp;

Mahmudullah Riyad and Imarul Kayes knocked half centuries to lift Bangladesh to a fighting 249-7 in their Super Four Stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Mahmudullah Riyad and Imarul Kayes knocked half centuries to lift Bangladesh to a fighting 249-7 in their Super Four Stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Riyad scored 81-ball 74 with two sixes and three boundaries while Kayes, recalled as a back-up to strengthen the batting, made 89 ball 72 not out to help Bangladesh recover from a precarious 5-87 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Opener Liton Das scored 41 and Mushfiqur Rahim made 33 but Bangaldesh - who won the toss and batted -- owed their total to a solid 128-run stand for the sixth wicket between Riyad and Kayes. Kayes gave good support to Riyad as the two built the innings after Bangladesh's star batsman Shakib Al Hasan was run out for nought. Kayes hit six boundaries as Bangladesh played the dangerous spinning duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman who managed a wicket each. Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lost their opening Super Four matches, need a win to stay in the hunt for the September 28th final in Dubai.

Asia Cup: Kayes and Mahmudullah lift Bangladesh to 249-7

Pakistan's paceman Hasan Ali and Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan have all been fined on Saturday for violating the players' code of conduct, the International Cricket Council said Saturday.

Pakistan narrowly beat Afghanistan by three wickets in a highly charged Asia Cup Super Four match in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Shoaib Malik hitting a six and four in the last over.

"Hasan, and Afghanistan's duo of Asghar and Rashid have all been fined 15 per cent of their match fees. They have also received one demerit point in separate incidents during the match on Friday," the ICC said.

"After the match, all the three players pleaded guilty to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing."

The ICC said: "Rashid was charged and fined for giving a sendoff to Asif Ali in the 47th over of Pakistan's innings by holding up a finger and staring at the batsman, an action that could have provoked an aggressive reaction from the departing batsman."

"Hasan and Asghar were found guilty of 'conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game and using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.'

"While Hasan and Rashid have received demerit points for the first time, it is the second occasion that Asghar has been handed a demerit point within a 24-month period.&nbsp;

"The incident involving Hasan happened in the 33rd over of Afghanistan's innings when he threatened to throw the ball towards striker Hashmatullah Shahidi after fielding off his own bowling.

"As regards the incident involving Asghar, the Afghanistan captain brushed his shoulder with the bowler Hasan in the 37th over as he passed him while taking a run." &nbsp;

Pakistan's paceman Hasan Ali and Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan have all been fined on Saturday for violating the players' code of conduct, the International Cricket Council said Saturday.

Pakistan's paceman Hasan Ali and Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan have all been fined on Saturday for violating the players' code of conduct, the International Cricket Council said Saturday. Pakistan narrowly beat Afghanistan by three wickets in a highly charged Asia Cup Super Four match in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Shoaib Malik hitting a six and four in the last over. "Hasan, and Afghanistan's duo of Asghar and Rashid have all been fined 15 per cent of their match fees. They have also received one demerit point in separate incidents during the match on Friday," the ICC said. "After the match, all the three players pleaded guilty to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing." The ICC said: "Rashid was charged and fined for giving a sendoff to Asif Ali in the 47th over of Pakistan's innings by holding up a finger and staring at the batsman, an action that could have provoked an aggressive reaction from the departing batsman." "Hasan and Asghar were found guilty of 'conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game and using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.' "While Hasan and Rashid have received demerit points for the first time, it is the second occasion that Asghar has been handed a demerit point within a 24-month period. "The incident involving Hasan happened in the 33rd over of Afghanistan's innings when he threatened to throw the ball towards striker Hashmatullah Shahidi after fielding off his own bowling. "As regards the incident involving Asghar, the Afghanistan captain brushed his shoulder with the bowler Hasan in the 37th over as he passed him while taking a run."

Pakistan and Afghanistan players fined in Asia Cup: ICC

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