Tag: Afghanistan

New Zealand included promising seamers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears on Monday in their Test squad to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as the Black Caps look to bounce back from their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 debacle.

New Zealand will play Afghanistan next month in a one-off Test in Noida, India, before facing Sri Lanka away in a two-Test series in late September.

It will be the Black Caps’ first cricket since crashing out of the T20 World Cup in the group stages last June following a shock defeat to Afghanistan.

O’Rourke and Sears are set to play their first overseas Tests. O’Rourke, 23, took nine wickets for 93 on his debut against South Africa in February.

While, Sears, 26, debuted in March with five wickets in a defeat to Australia.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.

“I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” he said in a statement.

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All-rounder Michael Bracewell also returned to the Test squad for the first time since injuring his Achilles tendon and then breaking a finger.

He played one-day internationals in Pakistan last April and was in the T20 World Cup squad.

“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Black Caps across all three formats,” Stead said.

World-class batsman Kane Williamson has also been included in an experienced top order alongside veteran openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham.

Stead has opted for five spin options in Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.

The three September Tests begin a busy four-month period for New Zealand, who play three games against India in October and November before hosting three games with England in December.

New Zealand Test squad: 

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

READ: Andries Gous leads Toronto Nationals to clinch GT20 Canada title

Afghanistan’s cricket board said on Wednesday it had banned top-order international batter Ihsanullah Janat for five years after he admitted to “corrupt activities” in a domestic league.

Three other unidentified players were also under investigation over match-fixing, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said.

Janat, 26, the younger brother of former Afghan skipper and selector Nawroz Mangal, was regarded as a talented player with three Tests, 16 one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international under his belt.

“Janat has been banned from all forms of cricketing activities for five years following breaches of ACB and ICC (International Cricket Council) Anti-Corruption Codes during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League 2024,” the ACB said in a statement

“Janat has admitted to the charges and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities,” it said.

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Janat scored 72 runs in four innings for the Shamshad Eagles, who finished sixth and last this year in the Kabul League, which was launched in 2022.

The ban on Janat, who last played for the national team in 2022, takes effect immediately, the ACB said.

Former Afghan national player Shafiqullah Shafaq was banned from cricket for six years over corrupt practices in 2020.

Afghanistan have progressed rapidly at the international level, beating former champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup last year.

Their highest point came in the Twenty20 World Cup in June when they beat Australia and New Zealand on their way to the semi-finals.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts to Saud Shakeel’s appointment as vice-captain

Afghanistan will host former champions New Zealand for a one-off Test in India in September this year, Time of India reported Tuesday.

According to the details, the first-ever Test between the two sides will be played at the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.

Following receiving the Test status in 2017, Afghanistan have thus far played nine matches but are yet to face 2021 World Test Champions New Zealand in the format.

Reports further claimed that New Zealand, unlike their neighbours Australia, hold a completely contrasting stance on engaging in bilateral series against Afghanistan.

Notably, the relations between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have been far from encouraging after the former entity pulled out of the three-match T20I series, citing deteriorating women’s rights in the Taliban-ruled country.

Cricket Australia said it had received advice “that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse” and postponed the three-match series scheduled in August, likely to have been hosted by the UAE.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expresses disappointment over Cricket Australia’s decision to postpone yet another bilateral series against Afghanistan and reiterates its stance on neutral and politics-free cricket across the globe,” said a statement.

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The decision was the third time since 2021, when the Taliban returned to power, that Australia have refused to play Afghanistan outside of international tournaments.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan have once again been given the nod by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play their home matches in India.

Consequently, Afghanistan will be playing their first home match in India after a gap of almost four years.

According to the aforementioned report, the BCCI has allocated three home venues for Afghanistan, Greater Noida, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

Notably, the one-off Test against Afghanistan will serve as a stepping stone for New Zealand to prepare for their three-match series against India, scheduled in October-November.

Schedule for New Zealand’s three-match Test series against India

First Test: 16 to 20 October, Bengaluru
Second Test: 24 to 28 October, Pune
Third Test: 01 to 05 November, Mumbai

READ: Afghanistan break silence on rumours of boycotting Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has recently addressed the ongoing rumours regarding their potential decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Some reports suggested that Afghanistan might follow India’s lead and not travel to Pakistan. However, ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan have dismissed these rumours.

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The chairman and CEO of ACB met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi during ICC’s annual meeting in Colombo, assuring Naqvi of Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“Our team will indeed travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025,” they committed.

Moreover, the ACB also shared the potential plans to organize a Youth Tri-Series with Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“The discussions also included A team tours to Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and the possibility of a Youth Tri-Series against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with the dates and venues to be confirmed,” ACB stated in a press release.

READ: PCB reveals schedule of Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A tour of Pakistan

TOROUBA: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has opened up after the crushing defeat against South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here on Wednesday.

Afghanistan, playing their first-ever semi-final of a World Cup in any format, bundled for a meagre 56 runs in the first innings and succumbed to a humiliating nine-wicket against South Africa.

Rashid Khan acknowledged the shortcomings in the semi-final, however, he expressed satisfaction over the team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially the pace bowlers.

“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn’t allow us to do what we wanted. That’s how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” the leg-spinner stated after the match.

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“I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners.”

The 25-year-old further reflected on the lessons Afghanistan learned during their T20 World Cup 2024 and stated that they have the self-belief to defeat any team.

“We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side,” he added.

“We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations.”

READ: English batter smashes second-fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket

TOROUBA: South Africa put up an impressive performance and completely outclassed Afghanistan in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to secure their spot in the final for the first time here on Wednesday.

Set to chase a meagre 57-run target, South Africa comfortably completed the pursuit in 8.5 overs after losing one wicket.

The Proteas did not get the desired start to the chase courtesy of Fazalhaq Farooqi who clean-bowled Quinton de Kock (5) in the second over.

However, Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram ensured that their side comfortably chased down the modest total.

They raised an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the second wicket and finished the game in the ninth over.

Hendricks top-scored with 29 runs from 25 balls, featuring three fours and one six, while Markram scored a 21-ball 23, laced with four boundaries.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first against South Africa at a tricky pitch did not bear fruits as they were bowled out for a paltry total in 11.5 overs.

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The Asian side had an unwanted start as they lost in-form opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) on the last ball of the first over with four runs on the board.

Marco Jansen, who dismissed Gurbaz, added another wicket to his tally in the next over when he bowled Gulbadin Naib (9).

What followed was a middle-order collapse as Afghanistan lost four more wickets in quick succession including Azmatullah Omarzai, who was the only batter to reach double figures with 10 off 12, to eventually slip to 28-6 in 6.3 overs.

Skipper Rashid Khan (8) and all-rounder Karim Janat (8) then showed some resistance with a 22-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Tabraiz Shamsi broke the partnership as removed the Janat, followed by the wicket of Noor Ahmed (0) in the same over.

Anrich Nortje bowled Khan, while Shamsi hit the final nail in the coffin with the wicket of last-man Naveen-ul-Haq (2) to wrap up Afghanistan’s innings.

Shamsi returned with brilliant bowling figures of 3-6, while Jansen claimed 3-16. Nortje and Kagiso Rabada managed two wickets each.

READ: Rashid Khan reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, officially sanctioned Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan for showing dissent towards a teammate during his side’s victory over Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Afghanistan, on Monday, made history as they qualified for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event’s semi-final by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Rashid expressed visible frustration in the final over of the first innings and an outburst on his teammate which earned him the sanction.

After playing a trademark snake shot towards the off-side, Rashid attempted to run back for a second run, thanks to a fumble in the field, but was sent back by his partner.

Rashid, who was already halfway down when his partner declined a second run, hurled his bat in frustration to the ground, and then turned to make his ground comfortably, indicating there was indeed plenty of time for a couple.

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Karim Janat calmly picked up the bat and gave it back to his angry teammate. He then took a single, allowing Rashid to face the last two balls of the over.

The right-handed batter belted the final ball of the innings for a six, to finish at an unbeaten 19 off 10 deliveries.

Rashid Khan backed his quickfire cameo with resounding bowling figures of 4/23 and played a pivotal role in defending the modest total against Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to mention that Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 26 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.

READ: ‘No history in semi-finals makes Afghanistan dangerous’: Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott Wednesday termed his side dangerous ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against South Africa on June 26.

Afghanistan, on Monday, made history as they qualified for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event’s semi-final by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.

The Atalans defeated New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Uganda in the group stage before their historic victory over Australia, followed by Bangladesh in the Super Eights stage.

They lost only two matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 thus far against West Indies and India.

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Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott, at the pre-match conference ahead of their high-stakes clash against South Africa, claimed that having no history in the semi-finals makes his team dangerous.

“I also think we go into the semi-final with no scarring or no history with regards to the semi-finals. This is uncharted territory for us. Just going to go out there and give it a roll,” Jonathan Trott said.

“There are no preconceived ideas, or history of failure or success in semi-finals so for us it is a new challenge. And I think it makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that South Africa are unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 with seven victories on the trot.

The Proteas made it to the T20 World Cup semi-finals twice but lost on each occasion.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan stated that his side proved West Indies legend Brian Lara right by qualifying for the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

For the unversed, Lara predicted before the tournament that Afghanistan would qualify for the final four teams.

Afghanistan registered a thrilling eight-run victory over Bangladesh in the rain-hit clash in Kingstown to book their place for the semi-final, where they will face South Africa.

“It’s a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It’s unbelievable,” Rashid Khan said in the post-match interview.

“The only guy who put us in the semi-finals was Brian Lara and we proved him right. When we met him at a welcome party, I told him we won’t let you down.

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“It’s a massive celebration back home. It’s a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at the U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don’t have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion.”

The leg-spinner also admitted that Afghanistan were 15 runs short with the bat as they managed 115-5 in the allocated 20 overs. However, he stated that bowlers had a clear plan which they followed and earned the rewards.

“We thought 130-135 was a good score but we fell 15 runs short. We knew they would come hard at us and we knew that is what we could take advantage of. We didn’t need to do anything extra, just be clear in our plans,” Khan said.

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