Sport

Afghanistan ‘here to fight’ for Cricket World Cup semi-final

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2023

Afghanistan faces the biggest match in its history on Tuesday when they take on five-time champions Australia in a match that will determine whether the team stays in the race for a place in the knockout stages of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Tomorrow’s match, Tuesday 7 November, will take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

If Afghanistan can win their two remaining matches at the World Cup, against Australia on Tuesday and South Africa on Friday, they will qualify for the semi-finals, but their task will not be easy.

But, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi insists his side still has plenty of "fight" left in them ahead of Tuesday’s clash.

"We are a brave nation and we've shown that through cricket also," Shahidi said on Monday.

"In such a short time, we've achieved a lot compared to other countries. And right now, we know the whole world is talking about our team's performance.

"As a team also, we are happy for that. But I think as a captain, it's not enough for me."

The 29-year-old added: "Tomorrow is one of the important games for us. And we will not relax until we are on the plane back to our country.

"Until then, we will fight as a team," he said.

Top-order batsman Shahid was clear what lay behind Afghanistan's impressive World Cup showing. "Belief, hard work, and talent," he said.

"At the beginning we had the belief, but for that we have to win. So, when we won against England, the belief rate became higher, higher then after Pakistan. And we are now not looking back. We are moving forward."

Shahidi paid tribute to Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman, for wanting the squad to be "more disciplined... on the field, off the field."

Afghanistan's recent performances have not only been appreciated at home but greatly appreciated by an Indian public whose own unbeaten side are already into the semi-finals.

"People back home like the way we are playing here right now, they are all feeling proud, and they are very happy for our achievements," said Shahidi.

"And the Indian people have given us a lot of support throughout the tournament. One taxi driver, who took me on rides, didn't take money from me. And that's how people give us love here in India. So we are thankful for that."

Monday's net session at the Wankhede was made even more special for Afghanistan by a meeting with Sachin Tendulkar on the retired India batting great's home ground, AFP reported.

"It's the first time (we've met him)," said Shahidi. "And we are all excited because he's a legend of the game.

"We were watching him on TV when he was a successful player — he was a role model for a lot of our players. So it's exciting for the team, to see him and maybe learn from him."

Afghanistan - no easy team to beat

According to ESPNcricinfo experts, there is no chance the Australians are heading to the Wankhede Stadium assuming Afghanistan will be an easy team to beat.

Afghanistan has won three matches in a row and have already taken down England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands as they push for a maiden semi-final berth.

The team however possesses the skill to expose Australia's major weakness, with the spin quartet of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad capable of causing Australia's batting line-up no end of problems. In addition, Afghanistan’s batting throughout the tournament has been excellent.
But while history and conditions are on Australia's side as they look to lock in their spot in the last four there is one other thing to consider. This game, like the one in last year's T20 World Cup has a slightly different undertone for Afghanistan than it does their opponents, ESPN reported.

Cricket Australia's decision to cancel a Test between the two nations in November 2021 and a three-match ODI series in March 2023 for political reasons remains front of mind for some of the Afghanistan players. Afghanistan has been fueled by a desire to prove a point in this World Cup, a point about their standing in global cricket, and some added motivation certainly won't hinder them.

Key Players:

Afghanistan - Rahmanullah Gurbaz

While skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (282) has the most runs for Afghanistan at the tournament, Gurbaz is not too far behind with a total of 234 runs at an average of 33.42.

But more importantly, Gurbaz has an ominous strike rate of 99.15 and a fast start during the Powerplay will be crucial for Afghanistan if they are to upset Australia.

Gurbaz scores quickly and, if he gets going early, is capable of putting pressure on the Australia bowlers and giving his side the ascendancy.

Australia - Adam Zampa

The Australia spinner has been a handful for opposition batters throughout the tournament and currently has a total of 19 wickets at an average of 17.15.

While Afghanistan have their own bevy of quality spinners, whether their batters can handle Zampa remains to be seen as the Australian has proven a class above in India thus far.

Zampa failed to pick up a wicket during Australia's opening match at the tournament, but has since recorded a trio of four-wicket hauls and a pair of three-wicket hauls in an impressive stretch of leg-spin bowling.

Squads:

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq.

For fans in Afghanistan

Ariana Television Network is the official broadcasting partner in Afghanistan and has the exclusive rights to broadcast and stream Cricket World Cup 2023 matches into the homes of fans, live, each day.

As we fight the global quest to Stop Piracy, we appeal to our fans in Afghanistan to tune in to Ariana Television or visit www.arianatelevision.com, and stream matches live.

Please don’t support pirate broadcasters and websites streaming pirated versions!

Afghanistan’s fixtures still to come, that will be broadcast live on Ariana Television are as follows:

• Afghanistan vs Australia: Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Mumbai
• Afghanistan vs South Africa

Related Topics:#َAfghanistan #SemiFinal #WorldCup ArianaNews Cricket featured

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FIFA unveils Innovative Club World Cup Trophy ahead of new tournament in 2025

The tournament will kick off from Sunday 15 June and run through to Sunday 13 July.

Published

12 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Ariana News

FIFA has unveiled the official Innovative FIFA Club World Cup Trophy that will be lifted for the first time at next year’s tournament, set to be staged across 11 host cities in the United States.

The tournament will kick off from Sunday 15 June and run through to Sunday 13 July.

The new trophy, designed by FIFA and crafted in collaboration with global luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co., will be presented to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup winners, who will be crowned after the final at the MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Innovative, inclusive, groundbreaking and truly global, the new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup deserves a trophy that represents all of this. It is both prestigious and timeless – a golden trophy that is a symbol of the future and inspired by the past.”

“The team who lift this trophy will hold the world of club football in their hands. To the players who win it, history belongs to you! Let’s take it to the world and celebrate it as we look forward to the start of a new era for football when the one and only FIFA club world champions lift the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy in New York New Jersey on 13 July 2025.”

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany & Co., Anthony Ledru, added: “With a legacy dating back 160 years, Tiffany & Co. has crafted some of the most iconic championship trophies in history, setting the standard for craft and design.

“The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy is the next chapter in our long history of creating the world’s most revered symbols of athletic achievement.”

The trophy meanwhile boasts a 24-carat gold-plated finish and features intricate laser-engraved inscriptions on both sides, showcasing text and imagery that portray football’s rich history.

The inscriptions include a world map and the names of all 211 FIFA Member Associations and the six confederations, representing the geographical and cultural diversity of the game.

The trophy’s central disc displays an array of icons that capture football’s traditions, including symbols of stadiums and equipment and a world map.

The trophy also features engravings in 13 languages and Braille.

Space is available to laser-engrave the emblems of the winning clubs for 24 editions of the tournament.

In addition, the trophy can transform from a shield into a multifaceted and orbital structure – an adaptable design that establishes a powerful visual structure.

An inspiring message to the champions is engraved on the trophy, including the following: “To those who hold this trophy, history belongs to you! You are witness to a moment in time that represents the pinnacle of club football, bestowed upon few but celebrated by many.”

These words reflect the trophy’s status as a symbol of greatness, honoring the legends of the past while inspiring clubs globally.

A trophy for champions

Meanwhile, the winning team at each edition will receive a replica of the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy featuring engravings that mark their triumph after the final.

The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy will be presented to the world in its physical form on Thursday, 5 December 2024, when FIFA hosts the tournament’s draw in Miami, USA.

Sport

Eighteen Afghan players shortlisted for IPL auction

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2024

Ariana News

Eighteen Afghan players have been shortlisted for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction scheduled in Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25.

A total of 29 Afghan cricketers had registered for the auction.

On Friday, the IPL governing body unveiled the shortlist of 574 players, which includes 18 Afghans.

Out of the 574 Players, 366 are Indian and 208 are overseas, including 3 players from associate nations. The auction will include 318 Indian uncapped players and 12 uncapped overseas players.

204 slots will be up for grabs with 70 available slots for overseas players.

Full list of Afghan players shortlisted for the auction:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Noor Ahmad
Waqar Salamkheil
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
Azmatullah Omarzai
Naveen-ul-haq
Zahir Khan Pakten
Sediqullah Atal
Mohammad Nabi
Gulbadin Naib
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Najibullah Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran
Qais Ahmad
Karim Janat
Faridoon Dawoodzai
Nangyal Kharote

Sport

Paul beats Tyson as former heavyweight champ can’t turn back clock

Tyson, who wore a knee brace, never mounted much of a challenge after being wobbled by some left hands in the third round but did enough defensively to avoid taking any serious damage.

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2024

Ariana News

Jake Paul beat boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision to win an intergenerational heavyweight battle in Texas on Friday that failed to live up to its enormous hype.

The bout between the 27-year-old social media influencer-turned-prizefighter Paul and the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Tyson was streamed live on Netflix and played out in front of a sold-out crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Reuters reported.

Those fans were left largely disappointed as Tyson showed his age and was never able to generate any offense against his younger opponent, landing just 18 punches to Paul's 78.

"First and foremost, Mike Tyson - it's an honor to be able to fight him," said Paul.

"It was as tough and hard as I thought it would be."

Tyson, who wore a knee brace, never mounted much of a challenge after being wobbled by some left hands in the third round but did enough defensively to avoid taking any serious damage.

He admitted after the contest to fighting through a leg injury.

"Yeah, but I can't use that as an excuse. If I did, I wouldn't be in here," Tyson said.

"I knew he was a good fighter. He was prepared, I came to fight. I didn't prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I'm not one of those guys that live to please the world. I'm just happy with what I can do."

Tyson, one of the most fearsome heavyweight champions of all time during his heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was in his first professional fight in nearly 20 years. He was non-committal when asked if he would return to the ring again.

"I don't know. It depends on the situation," he said.

Paul (11-1) said he can now fight anyone he wants, possibly even Mexican Canelo Alvarez, after being the main attraction in the mega event that brought out a star-studded crowd and 72,300 fight fans to the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

"This is the biggest event, over 120 million people on Netflix. We crashed the site, The biggest U.S. boxing gate, $20 million, in U.S. history, and everyone is next on the list."

TAYLOR BEATS SERRANO

In the co-main event earlier in the evening, Ireland's Katie Taylor retained her super lightweight title by beating Puerto Rico's Amanda Serrano in a controversial unanimous decision after a violent affair.

Serrano came forward throughout the fight but their heads crashed together hard in the early stages, resulting in a deep cut over Serrano's right eye. The referee later took a point off Taylor for head butts.

In the end all three judges scored it 95-94 for Taylor, who denied accusations from Serrano's corner that she was fighting dirty.

Taylor won the pair's previous meeting at New York's Madison Square Garden in April 2022 and said there would be a third meeting.