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Afghanistan’s “A” cricket team continued their impressive run of form in Qatar, registering a second consecutive victory against the host nation in a 20-over practice match held in Doha last night. The encounter served as another key warm-up fixture ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 ACC U-19 Asia Cup, set to begin later this week.
After a convincing win in the first match of the series, Afghanistan’s young guns once again demonstrated their dominance and team balance under the leadership of Darwish Rasooli. Batting first, the Afghan side put up a competitive total of 156 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.
The innings was anchored by solid top-order performances, complemented by some aggressive stroke play in the latter overs. Despite Qatar’s disciplined bowling attack, Afghanistan managed to accelerate effectively in the final stages to post a challenging target.
When it was Qatar’s turn to bat, the home team started steadily but soon found themselves under pressure due to Afghanistan’s sharp bowling and tight fielding. The hosts were eventually restricted to 135 runs for eight wickets in their full quota of 20 overs, falling short by 20 runs. The Afghan bowlers showcased control and variety, ensuring Qatar never really threatened to chase down the total.
This victory follows Afghanistan “A”’s commanding 65-run win in the first match of the series earlier this week, marking back-to-back wins for the visitors. The team’s consistency and depth in both batting and bowling departments have been the standout features of this preparation series.
The two sides are set to meet again tonight (Tuesday) in their third and final T20 practice match of the tour. The fixture will provide one last opportunity for Afghanistan’s coaching staff to fine-tune strategies, assess player form, and finalize their combinations ahead of the main event — the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
Preparing for the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025
The ongoing practice series has been organized as part of Afghanistan’s preparations for the upcoming ACC U-19 Asia Cup, which will officially commence on November 14 in Doha, Qatar. This year’s tournament will feature eight teams, including cricketing powerhouses India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, alongside Nepal, Hong Kong, and the UAE.
Afghanistan has been placed in a competitive group alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Their opening match is scheduled for November 15 against Sri Lanka “A”, a fixture that promises to be a thrilling encounter given the recent history between the two sides.
The Afghanistan “A” squad enters this tournament as the defending champions, having lifted the 2024 ACC U-19 Asia Cup trophy in Oman. In that memorable campaign, they defeated Sri Lanka in a gripping final, showcasing the remarkable progress Afghanistan has made at the youth level in recent years.
Confidence and Momentum Building
Coach and team management have expressed satisfaction with the squad’s progress and performances in the lead-up to the tournament. The players have shown strong discipline, teamwork, and adaptability across conditions. Captain Darwish Rasooli, who has led from the front with his confident batting and calm decision-making, emphasized the importance of building momentum.
“These practice matches are about finding our rhythm and strengthening our team chemistry,” Rasooli said after the second win. “We’re focused on our main goal — defending the Asia Cup title for Afghanistan. The boys are hungry and motivated.”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also praised the team’s efforts and preparation, noting that such international exposure plays a crucial role in grooming future stars for the senior national team.
Cricket Fever in Doha
Cricket fans in Doha and across Afghanistan have shown great enthusiasm for the team’s performance, with growing excitement ahead of the U-19 Asia Cup. The matches are being broadcast live and legally on Lemar TV, allowing supporters back home to follow every moment of the young team’s journey.
The current series not only provides valuable match practice but also strengthens ties between Afghanistan and Qatar in cricket development. Qatar, despite the defeats, has shown promise and continues to build its cricket infrastructure and player base.
As Afghanistan “A” heads into their final practice match and then the Asia Cup opener, they carry not only the confidence of recent victories but also the expectations of an entire nation eager to see them shine again on the continental stage.
