Tag: Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: The first contingent of the Afghanistan men’s football team touched down here in the federal capital on Wednesday evening for their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash against Pakistan, after facing delays due to visa issues.

The match between Pakistan and Afghanistan is scheduled to be played at the Jinnah Football Stadium in Islamabad tomorrow.

Earlier, the much-anticipated clash faced uncertainty due to visa issues affecting several players.

A day earlier, Pakistan Football Federation president Mohsen Gillani stated regarding the issues.

“The players and officials who were in Afghanistan have obtained their visas to travel to Pakistan but those living abroad had to go to Afghanistan to get the required clearance,” Mohsen said.

“That process is mandatory as per the Afghanistan Football Federation’s decision of nominating the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul to issue the visas.”

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However, once the issue was highlighted, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice and awarded the team special permission to travel to Pakistan.

“Issued now,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote in response to journalist Faizan Lakhani’s post, “Thank you for highlighting it,” Naqvi added.

The match will be broadcast live on A Sports, and will begin at 2 pm, with stadium gates opening at 12 noon.

For context, both Pakistan and Afghanistan are winless after losing their opening two matches in Group E against Syria and Myanmar.

Following the home leg, the Pakistan national team will travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14.

The winner of the group advances to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

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ISLAMABAD: The AFC Asian Cup qualifiers 2027 clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled for October 9, is facing uncertainty as the Afghan National team has yet to receive its visas.

The match is scheduled to be played at the Jinnah Stadium of the Pakistan Sports Complex in the federal capital.

Sources privy to the matter have said that some players and officials are yet to receive their visas for the game.

Sources further informed that if visas are not issued, a visa-on-arrival option will be used, and due to the delay, the match schedule will be adjusted via a press conference.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced ticket details for the much-anticipated clash.

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The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced ticket details for Pakistan’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier home fixture against Afghanistan.

The match, which will be broadcast live on A Sports, will begin at 2 pm, with stadium gates opening at 12 noon.

According to the press release, tickets will be available exclusively through Bookme.pk, with the following categories and prices: Premium Plus: Rs 4,000, Premium: Rs 1,500, and First Class: Rs 750.

Following the home leg, the Pakistan national team will travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14.

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SHARJAH: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has shared his thoughts regarding the ‘second-best in Asia’ tag, stating that his team’s goal is to improve their performances.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Rashid said that they have not called them the second-best side.

“There’s always talk about us being the second-best team in Asia, but that’s not something we claimed ourselves,” he said.

The spin wizard highlighted Afghanistan’s past performances and stressed the need for improvement in their performance.

“That label came because of our past performances. If you look back — Asia Cup, World Cup semi-finals, ODI World Cup — we’ve beaten some top sides. Even in the Champions Trophy, we defeated England. Of course, in the future, if we don’t play well, we could slip to third, fourth, fifth, or lower,” he continued.

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“Our goal is simply to improve as a team and deliver on the day. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t — that’s cricket. What matters is staying hungry to perform and aiming to get better every time. The whole ‘second-best in Asia’ narrative is just something the media has created, not us,” Rashid concluded.

For context, Afghanistan is currently playing a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Notably, after being eliminated from the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, they started their series against the Tigers on a poor note as well.

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by four wickets in the T20I opener at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

After opting to bat first, Afghanistan could only muster 151 for 9 in their 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 40 from 31 balls, studded with three sixes and two fours.

In reply, Bangladesh hit the winning runs in 18.4 overs, courtesy of a strong opening foundation. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan starred with the bat, both scoring half-centuries.

Despite the defeat, Rashid Khan remained the standout bowler for Afghanistan, picking up a four-wicket haul in his quota of four overs.

The second T20I between the two teams is currently underway at the same venue, with Bangladesh eyeing a series win after opting to bowl first.

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KARACHI: Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Team showcased dominance and determination as they defeated Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the fourth and final T20I here at the UBL Sports Complex.

With this victory, Pakistan sealed the four-match T20I series 3–1.

The victory was anchored by outstanding half-centuries from Gohar Afridi and Usama Tariq, while all-rounder Muhammad Fayyaz continued to shine, earning the title of Player of the Tournament.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a steady start, they struggled to build a big total against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.

Jaber Safi top-scored with 38 runs, while Zar Alam (23) and Raheemullah (14 not out) provided brief resistance.

Other batters, including Mansoor Adil (14) and Abasin (15), failed to convert starts into significant scores.

Afghanistan ended their innings at 155/8 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowling was led by Muhammad Fayyaz, who took two key wickets, while Ayub and Ahmad Yar chipped in with one wicket each.

In response, Pakistan’s batters came out with a clear attacking mindset. Gohar Afridi lit up the ground with a brilliant 64 off just 41 balls, smashing 14 boundaries in his aggressive knock.

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He was well supported by Usama Tariq, who remained unbeaten on 60 runs, ensuring Pakistan’s chase never faltered.

Muhammad Fayyaz added 24 runs to his all-round effort before being dismissed, the only wicket to fall. Pakistan comfortably reached 156/1 in 14.4 overs, securing an emphatic victory. Afghanistan’s Mir Akbar was the lone wicket-taker for his side.

At the post-match ceremony, Gohar Afridi was declared Player of the Match for his explosive innings, while Muhammad Fayyaz was honored as Player of the Tournament for his consistent all-round performances across the series.

Pakistan’s skipper Muhammad Zeeshan dedicated the series triumph to the Pakistan Army and national martyrs.

“This victory belongs to those brave sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives for our nation. It is because of their sacrifices that we live in peace. They confront the enemy fearlessly, without concern for their own lives or families,” he said.

“This is not only Pakistan’s success, but a victory for wheelchair cricket as a whole. We have also worked to support the growth of Afghan wheelchair cricket, which is why this historic tour became possible,” he added.

Afghanistan’s captain, Mansoor Adi,l expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and praised the competitive spirit of the series

“It was a proud moment for us to play our first international wheelchair cricket series in Pakistan. Our players showed passion and commitment, and we hope to carry this momentum into the upcoming Asia Cup.”

“We are thankful to the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council and management for their warm welcome and outstanding arrangements. Pakistan’s hospitality has deeply impressed us, and we look forward to more such opportunities,” he said.

The successful conclusion of this series marked another milestone in the promotion of wheelchair cricket in the region. Both teams not only competed fiercely on the field but also strengthened the spirit of sportsmanship, brotherhood, and inclusion through the game.

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Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, died in Colombo, reportedly due to a heart attack.

The 22-year-old is currently representing Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which is held in the United Arab Emirates.

Dunith was playing the match against Afghanistan when he heard the news of his father’s passing.

Surranga Wellalage was also a former cricketer who had led Sri Lanka’s leading school teams.

Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold announced the news on air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan in their last group-stage match on Thursday.

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter’s,” Arnold said while commentating.

“Quite sad to hear that. The news has been broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences with the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” he added.

Dunith Wellalage is considered one of Sri Lanka’s emerging talents. However, he did not have the best of the outings in the game against Afghanistan. He remained expensive and conceded 49 runs and took one wicket in his quota of four overs.

Afghanistan were reeling at 137-7 in 19 overs. However, Mohammad Nabi tonked Wellalage for five sixes,an over yielding 32 runs, and took his team to a respectable total.

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However, the total was not enough as Sri Lanka chased down the target against a strong Afghanistan bowling lineup with ease in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets in the process.

Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with 74* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 26 off 13 with the aid of two sixes.

Mendis remained pivotal in the victory as he forged string of partnerships to propel Sri Lanka into a winning position.

The victory marked the end of the Afghanistan’s journey in the Asia Cup 2025, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advancing to the Super Fours.

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ABU DHABI: Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed disappointment on his side’s early exit from the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Afghanistan crashed out of the tournament’s group stage fixture after Sri Lanka cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket win here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.

The victory also advanced Bangladesh to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

In the post-match presentation, Rashid hailed Mohammad Nabi, who propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total.

“The way we finished off the innings was so special. We knew one over was there of the spinner and if one proper batter was there, we had a maximum chance of getting a big over,” he said.

Rashid rued poor bowling, stating that he could have bowled much better on a wicket that offered them less spin.

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“We did not bowl as well as we should have, and that is why we did not win. It is pretty hard on a track like that. It is not a typical spinning wicket. Different to Dubai. But still, if you play good cricketing shots, it is possible to chase 170-180,” Rashid Khan elaborated.

The leg-spinner emphasized the team’s performance and mentioned their preparation ahead of the event.

“We had a great chance in the last game, we did not chase 150. That is what happens in T20 cricket. But we have to move forward and not repeat the mistakes.

Last three years, we have played a lot of ICC events and Asia Cups. We had great preparation for each, but I was expecting a lot more from the boys. Was not expecting to be eliminated. We had a semi-final at the last T20 World Cup, and the expectation was to be at least in the next round. We will think about it, analyze, and come back stronger, ” he concluded.

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ABU DHABI: Kusal Mendis’ gutsy half-century propelled Sri Lanka, alongside Bangladesh, into the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours as Afghanistan crashed out.

Set 170, Sri Lanka cruised to a victory in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets in the process.

Mendis anchored the innings with 74* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 26 off 13 with the aid of two sixes.

The chase started on a shaky note as Sri Lanka lost their inform opener Pathum Nissanka (6) in the second over. Despite the wicket, the Islanders continued on to score briskly.

Afghanistan got their second breakthrough in the last over of the powerplay in the form of Kamil Mishara, who departed after scoring four from 10 balls.

At this stage, Sri Lanka were 47-2 in 5.2 overs. Meanwhile, Mendis held one end firm and forged two crucial stands. First, he partnered with Kusal Perera for a 45-run partnership and then with skipper Charith Asalanka for a brief 27-run partnership.

Perera and Charith made 28 and 17 runs respectively, which powered them into a strong position.

For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad picked up one wicket each.

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Earlier, Mohammad Nabi’s counterattacking half-century lifted his side to a respectable total.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 169-8 in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Afghanistan’s openers were off to a flyer, posting 26 runs on the board in 2.1 overs. However, Thushara had other plans, who ripped through the top order with excellent bowling.

He first removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 14 from eight, and then Karim Janat (1) in a span of five balls to rock Afghanistan.

As a result, Afghanistan were reduced to 32-2 in three overs.

Thushara continued on, and in the fourth over, he removed Sediqullah Atal to put Sri Lanka in the driving seat. Atal was castled after making 18 from 14 with the aid of two fours and a six.

Sri Lanka continued to mount pressure with excellent bowling and regular wickets, which left Afghanistan reeling at one stage for 114-7 in 17.1 overs.

However, it was Nabi’s blinder – 60 from just 22 balls, which powered them to an above-par score. First, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmanta Chameera came in Nabi’s way, whom he belted for three consecutive fours, an over yielding 17 runs.

32-run last over was cheery on top for Afghanistan as the veteran batter belted five gigantic sixes off Dunith Wellalage’s bowling, making it a 32-run over.

For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul for 19 in his four overs.

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ABU DHABI: Afghanistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. 

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have squared off eight times in the T20I format, with the Islanders heading the record with five wins, followed by the Afghan team with three.

Matches 8, Afghanistan 3, Sri Lanka 5

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ABU DHABI: Mustafizur Rahman starred with a three-wicket haul as Bangladesh secured a narrow eight-run victory over Afghanistan to stay alive in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a 155-run target, Afghanistan faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 146  on the last ball of the match.

Afghanistan had a contrasting start as they lost their opening two wickets in 4.1 overs. As a result, they were reduced to 18-2.

After the early hiccup, Gulbadin Naib and Rahmanullah Gurbaz paired up for a brief stand of 33 runs. However, with the required run-rate mounting, Naib and Gurbaz fell in quick time.

Bangladesh kept chipping away with regular wickets, and despite Azmatullah Omarzai’s 30 off 16 and Rashid Khan’s 20 off 11, Afghanistan fell short of the target.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman remained the standout bowler, taking three wickets in his four overs. Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets each.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted 154-5 in their allocated 20 overs despite having a strong start.

The Tigers’ openers provided them a strong foundation, scoring 63 in 6.4 overs. Saif Hassan, who made 30 from 28 balls, played the second fiddle, whereas Tanzid Hasan remained the core aggressor.

Despite the wicket, Bangladesh continued to pile runs, particularly Taniz charging the bowlers. Noor Ahmad removed skipper Litton Das for nine to lift Afghanistan at the halfway stage of the innings.

However, it was Tanzid’s wicket that put the brakes on Bangladesh’s progress. He departed after a brisk knock. He smashed three sixes and four boundaries on his way to 52 off 31 balls.

The second half of the innings belonged to Afghanistan as they restricted Bangladesh batters from going big with a clinical bowling display. This was primarily due to Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, who gave 26 and 23 runs respectively in their four overs.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

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ABU DHABI: Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bat first against Afghanistan in the ninth fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Squads

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

Afghanistan and Bangladesh have faced each other 12 times in the T20I format. Afghanistan has a slight edge with seven victories, whereas Bangladesh has emerged victorious on five occasions.

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