The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan’s Abdalyan side opened their Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka A after an all-round performance led by bowlers Bilal Sami and AM Ghazanfar.
Sri Lanka A won the toss and chose to bat, but Afghanistan’s
attack quickly took control. Bilal Sami claimed 4–45 and AM Ghazanfar added 3–32,
helping restrict Sri Lanka A to 170 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan’s chase began shakily with the early dismissal
of Zubaid Akbar in the first over. But Sediqullah Atal, continuing his strong
form from the previous edition of the tournament, anchored the innings with 54,
his 20th T20 half-century and his sixth in a row. He combined with Imran Mir
(34) to steady the innings before captain Darwish Rasooli (32) added crucial
runs in the middle overs.
With the match tightening in the final overs, Qais Ahmad (16
not out) and Nangyal Kharoti (15 not out) guided Afghanistan to victory with
three wickets in hand.
Sami was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul,
which set up Afghanistan’s successful chase.
