Afghanistan secured a 25-run victory over Qatar in a one-off T20 international on Tuesday evening at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, with captain Darwish Rasooli anchoring the innings and the bowlers delivering under pressure to seal the win.
Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a total of 149 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Rasooli led the effort with a brisk 66 off 37 balls, striking six fours and four sixes, and providing the backbone of an innings that saw regular wickets fall at the other end. Notable contributions came from N. Kharote, who added an unbeaten 23 off just 12 deliveries, and M. Ishaq, who held the middle order with a composed 22.
Qatar’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Muhammad Zaman emerging as the most effective, taking 3 for 18 in his four overs. Owais Ahmed also chipped in with three wickets, including the key dismissal of Ishaq, as Qatar restricted Afghanistan from fully capitalizing on their strong start.
In reply, Qatar fell short at 124 for 7, despite a fighting 26 from captain M. Baig and a late unbeaten stand between M. Ikramullah and Daniel Louis, who added 32 runs together. However, the innings lacked sustained momentum after early wickets disrupted the top order, including a rare hit-wicket dismissal of wicketkeeper I. Liyanage.
Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the workload, with Abdullah Ahmadzai starring with 3 wickets, including the dismissal of Baig and Liyanage in quick succession. Bilal Sami and Qais Ahmad added one wicket apiece, while the fielders backed up the attack with sharp catching.
The win gives Afghanistan a 1–0 series result in the one-off contest and comes amid their broader efforts to expand international T20 experience ahead of next year’s ICC World T20 qualifiers.
Score Summary:
Afghanistan 149/8 (20 overs)
Qatar 124/7 (20 overs)
Afghanistan won by 25 runs.
