Afghanistan’s futsal team won 5-4 against Greenland in Brazil’s Intercontinental Futsal Cup. In cricket, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson reached 19,000 international runs during the Champions Trophy semi-final, and Azmatullah Omarzai became the top-ranked ODI all-rounder. FIFA lifted Pakistan’s football suspension, allowing them to compete in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Afghanistan’s national futsal team triumphed over Greenland with a narrow 5-4 victory during their inaugural match at the Intercontinental Futsal Cup held in Brazil. The goals for Afghanistan were scored by Omid Qanbari, Khudadad Ebrahimi, Farzad Mahmoodi, and Bahman Girgich. This tournament features four teams: Brazil, Afghanistan, Iran, and Greenland.
In a separate sporting event, the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final showcased New Zealand’s brilliance as they bested South Africa with a formidable score of 362, a record high for Champions Trophy matches in Lahore. Kane Williamson distinguished himself by becoming the 16th player in history to surpass 19,000 international runs and the first New Zealander to achieve this milestone, accompanied by a brilliant 102 runs from 94 balls, marking his 48th career century across all formats.
Exceptional performances from Azmatullah Omarzai propelled him to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounders Rankings after outstanding games against Australia and England during the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore. With a rating of 296 points, he surpassed fellow Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi, who now ranks second. Omarzai’s contributions included impressive scores and a remarkable five-wicket haul, solidifying his status in the cricketing world.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced FIFA’s lifting of its suspension following the successful amendment of its constitution at a recent congress. The suspension, which had been in effect since February 2025 due to governance issues, has now been resolved, allowing Pakistan to participate in the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. The PFF expressed gratitude to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation for their support, while also reappointing Stephen Constantine as head coach in anticipation of their match against Syria.
In summary, Afghanistan’s national futsal team has demonstrated remarkable skill by winning against Greenland in their opening match in Brazil. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s cricket team, led by Kane Williamson, has reached new heights in the ICC Champions Trophy. Also, Azmatullah Omarzai has become the leading ODI all-rounder, and the PFF’s reinstatement by FIFA marks a significant step forward for football in Pakistan. These events underscore the vibrant sport scene across Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Pakistan, each achieving significant milestones recently.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
