Cricket

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's star leg-spinner, has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand due to a back injury. The injury occurred while Khan was playing for Speen Ghar Tigers in the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), Afghanistan's domestic T20 tournament.Khan played three consecutive matches in the SCL from August 18, taking six wickets at an impressive average of 9.33 and an economy rate of 5.09. However, during his third game, he experienced pain in his back and was forced to miss SGT's next match two days later.This is not the first time Khan has suffered a back injury. He underwent surgery after the World Cup in India last year, which sidelined him for four months. He also suffered a hamstring strain while representing Trent Rockets at the Hundred a week before his recent back trouble.Afghanistan have begun training in Noida for the Test against New Zealand, which will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in the format. The match will also be the first Test to be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.After the Test against New Zealand, Afghanistan will fly to Sharjah to play a three-match ODI series against South Africa from September 18.

Afghan cricket fans flocked to the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in droves to witness the return of their national heroes to the domestic T20 league. Basit Wali Hotak, a student from Kandahar, embarked on an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of his idol, Rashid Khan.The Shpageeza T20 league has ignited a renewed passion for cricket in Afghanistan, a country that has found solace in the sport amidst decades of conflict. Thousands of fans, including Hotak, endured long journeys and spent their hard-earned money to witness the stars in action.Despite the absence of Khan and other top players in the match between the Speenghar Tigers and Mis-e-Ainak Knights, the crowd erupted in cheers when the Afghan captain appeared in the dugout. The stadium reverberated with chants of "heroes, long live heroes" as fans expressed their admiration for their national team.Former captain Mohammad Nabi took to the pitch, facing off against his son, Hassan Eisakhil, in a heartwarming moment. The presence of Afghan national players in the league has raised hopes that international teams may return to Afghanistan, a prospect that would further boost the country's cricket culture."If they (national players) play games here, the international teams will also come to play here, because it shows security has been ensured," said 19-year-old Abdul Ahad.For fans like Kamil Shah Mashal, who traveled hours from Khost, cricket provides a much-needed escape from the challenges facing Afghanistan. "I don't see any other reason for young people to be happy in the current situation because of the crises that have made some of them flee the country," he said. "It's only cricket left that keeps us happy."The return of national players to the domestic league has not only reignited the passion for cricket but also instilled a sense of hope and pride in Afghan fans. As the country navigates its future, the sport continues to serve as a beacon of unity and a source of joy for its people.

Southern Brave's thrilling two-wicket victory over Trent Rockets at Utilita Bowl propelled them to the top of the table, level on points with Oval Invincibles. Kieron Pollard's sensational hitting proved pivotal in the triumph.Pollard, who had struggled initially, unleashed a barrage of sixes against Rashid Khan, dispatching five consecutive deliveries over the boundary. His 45 runs from 23 balls ignited the Brave's chase.Trent Rockets had posted a competitive 126 for 8, with Tom Banton's early fireworks setting the tone. However, John Turner's impressive spell of fast bowling, including the dismissal of James Vince, kept the Rockets in check.The Brave's pursuit began smoothly, with Alex Davies and Andre Fletcher putting on 43 for the first wicket. But the innings faltered after Davies' dismissal, and the Rockets threatened to seize control.Pollard's heroics turned the tide, and Chris Jordan's composure in the final over sealed the victory. Jordan also impressed with the ball, claiming three wickets for 22 runs.Pollard, named the Meerkat Match Hero, acknowledged the challenge of facing Rashid Khan but expressed satisfaction with his calculated approach. He credited his success to picking the right line and length and maximizing his strength.The victory marked a significant moment for Southern Brave, who now share the top spot with Oval Invincibles. Pollard's match-winning performance highlighted his exceptional hitting ability and the team's resilience under pressure.

Afghanistan's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Led by the enigmatic Rashid Khan, the Afghan team has defied all odds to reach the semi-finals for the first time ever.Their thrilling victory over Bangladesh in the final Super 8s match was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite the rain-affected second innings, Afghanistan's bowlers, spearheaded by Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq, defended the modest target of 115 with aplomb.Khan's role in Afghanistan's success cannot be overstated. Not only did he bamboozle Australian batters with his deceptive deliveries, but he also engaged in some light-hearted banter with Indian captain Rohit Sharma. After both teams advanced to the semi-finals, Khan took to social media to share a photo with Sharma, playfully referring to him as "My friend from Mumbai."Afghanistan's journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of remarkable. They stunned T20I giants New Zealand and Australia in the group stage, showcasing their ability to compete with the best in the world.Their victory over Bangladesh not only secured their place in the last four but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. The Aussies, who were considered one of the favorites, were left to rue their missed opportunities.Afghanistan's success is a testament to the growing strength of cricket in non-traditional nations. Their performance has inspired countless young players around the world and has proven that anything is possible with hard work and determination.As they prepare for the semi-finals, Afghanistan will be buoyed by the support of their passionate fans. They will face a formidable opponent in either India or England, but they have shown that they are capable of overcoming any challenge.

Afghanistan's charismatic captain, Rashid Khan, has faced disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a breach of the code of conduct during their Super Eight match against Bangladesh in Kingstown on July 24.The incident occurred in the 20th over of Afghanistan's innings. Rashid, after hitting the ball into the offside, attempted to secure the second run to retain strike. However, his teammate, Karim Janat, sent him back. An enraged Rashid was forced to turn around mid-pitch and hurled his bat in Janat's direction.As a consequence, Rashid has received a demerit point on his disciplinary record. This is his first offense within a 24-month period. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of a reprimand and a maximum penalty of a 50% fine of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.Despite the incident, Rashid played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's eight-run victory over Bangladesh via the DLS method. He scored a quickfire 19 off 10 balls and claimed impressive figures of 4 for 23, leading his team to their first-ever semi-final appearance at a T20 World Cup.Afghanistan will now face South Africa in Trinidad on June 26 for a place in the final. Rashid's leadership and all-round abilities will be crucial as they aim to create history and reach the pinnacle of the tournament.

Afghanistan's historic journey to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals has been a testament to their unwavering determination and remarkable progress in the shortest format of the game. Led by the charismatic Rashid Khan, the Afghan team has overcome formidable challenges and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.Their path to the semifinals has been marked by impressive victories over top-ranked teams like New Zealand and former world champions Australia. In the group stage, Afghanistan showcased their resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to the West Indies with a series of convincing wins.As they prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals, the Afghan team is brimming with confidence and eager to make history. Rashid Khan, in a heartfelt message to his supporters, urged them to rally behind the team as they embark on this momentous occasion.Afghanistan's journey to the semifinals has been a source of inspiration for cricket fans around the world. Their success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief in one's abilities. The team's unwavering spirit and determination have made them a symbol of hope and resilience for their nation.The semifinal match against South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams possessing the talent and experience to reach the final. Afghanistan will rely on their spin-bowling prowess, led by Rashid Khan, while South Africa will look to their explosive batting lineup to secure victory.Regardless of the outcome, Afghanistan's performance in the T20 World Cup has been a resounding success. They have proven that they belong among the elite teams in the world and have set a new benchmark for their cricketing future.

Afghanistan's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. After securing their first-ever semifinal berth, skipper Rashid Khan expressed immense pride in fulfilling the prophecy of West Indian legend Brian Lara.Lara had boldly predicted Afghanistan's semifinal appearance nearly a month before the tournament, and Khan acknowledged the team's determination to prove him right. "When we met him at a welcome party, I told him we won't let you down," Khan said.The team's confidence soared after their stunning victory over New Zealand in the group stage. "It's a dream for us to be in the semifinals," Khan exclaimed. "The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable."Afghanistan's historic run continued with a memorable victory over Australia, setting the stage for their final Super 8 clash against Bangladesh. Despite a rain-interrupted match, Afghanistan emerged victorious by eight runs, securing their semifinal spot.Khan praised the exceptional performances of pacers Naveen and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who have consistently provided strong starts with the new ball. "In T20s if you get a good start, it helps us in the middle overs," Khan said. "They have given great starts to us in the whole competition."Despite the challenges posed by rain interruptions, Khan emphasized the team's mental fortitude. "Rain is something not in our hands but mentally we knew we have to play 20 overs and take 10 wickets," he said.As Afghanistan prepares for their semifinal clash with South Africa on June 27, Khan anticipates widespread celebrations back home. "It's a big achievement for us as well," he said. "We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home."

Afghanistan's remarkable journey in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024 culminated in a historic triumph over Bangladesh, securing their first-ever berth in the semifinals. The match, played in Kingstown on June 24, witnessed a thrilling contest between the two sides.Chasing a modest target of 116 set by Afghanistan, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under the guile of captain Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq. The openers, Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, were dismissed cheaply, followed by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. Litton Das, the lone warrior for Bangladesh, played a valiant knock of 54 not out, but his efforts proved futile as wickets fell around him.Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin wizard, was the tormentor-in-chief, claiming four wickets for just 23 runs in his 10-ball spell. Naveen-ul-Haq, the fast bowler, also chipped in with four wickets for 26 runs, strangling the Bangladesh middle and lower order.Earlier, Afghanistan's innings got off to a sedate start as openers Rahmanuttlah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled to find their rhythm. The Bangladesh bowlers bowled with discipline, restricting the Afghan batsmen to 59 runs in the first 10.4 overs. However, Rashid Khan's late cameo of 19 runs off just 10 balls propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total of 115 for 5.With this victory, Afghanistan not only secured their place in the semifinals but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. It is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, having overcome several challenges throughout the competition.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan Loses Temper, Throws Bat at Teammate in Tense T20 World Cup MatchDuring a crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Group 1 match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan displayed an uncharacteristic outburst of anger. The incident occurred in the 20th over of Afghanistan's innings, with the team struggling at 107 for 5.Rashid Khan, known for his aggressive batting style, attempted a helicopter shot off Tanzim Hasan Sakib. However, he mistimed the shot, sending the ball looping over the covers. Spotting an opportunity to add pressure to the fielders, Rashid sprinted for a second run.However, his partner Karim Janat, who had already settled at the striker's end, decisively sent him back. Frustrated by the missed chance, Rashid threw his bat in anger towards Janat, an act that left spectators stunned.Janat, trying to diffuse the situation, approached Rashid for a chat, but the captain was visibly disinterested and walked away, still fuming. The incident highlighted the pressure and intensity of the match, as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum in their batting innings.Despite the confrontation, Janat managed to score a valuable 7 off 6 balls, while Rashid Khan remained unbeaten on 19 off 10, showcasing his ability to accelerate in the death overs. However, their efforts were hampered by disciplined bowling from Bangladesh.Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain kept the Afghan batsmen in check, with Rishad claiming three crucial wickets. The powerplay didn't go in Afghanistan's favor, scoring only 27 runs in the first six overs. With a total of 115 for 5 in 20 overs, Afghanistan's hopes rested on their bowlers to defend the modest target.