Doha, Qatar – November 11, 2025 – A sense of confusion hung over the West End Park International Cricket Stadium as the third and final match of the purported "bilateral series" between Qatar and Afghanistan's 'A' team, the Afghan Abdalyan, concluded today. The match, officially designated as a T20 practice fixture, saw the Afghan development squad clinch a close victory against the hosts, providing a competitive end to a series marred by conflicting information about its official status.
While the Qatar Cricket Association had promoted the three-match series as a full men's T20 International (T20I) bilateral series, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) clarified before the start that it would feature their 'A' team and serve as "T20 practice matches" in preparation for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup. This ambiguity led to delays and uncertainty over the official nature of the games, but did not stop the players from delivering high-intensity cricket.
Match Summary: Afghan Abdalyan Triumph
In the final practice match held today, the Afghan Abdalyan side successfully defended a moderate total, showcasing their promising talent. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors posted a challenging score, primarily built on a solid foundation from their top order.
Key Performers for Afghan Abdalyan:
Imran Mir: A crucial half-century from the top-order batsman provided the necessary momentum.
Mohammad Ishaq: His quick-fire cameo towards the end of the innings ensured a strong finish.
Qatar's Bowling Effort:
The Qatari bowlers, particularly the fast-medium pacers, applied good pressure in the middle overs, utilizing the conditions well.
In response, the Qatar team struggled to maintain the required run rate against a disciplined Afghan bowling attack. Despite a few promising partnerships, the loss of key wickets at critical moments hampered their chase, leading to them falling short of the target.
Series Takeaways
The results of the practice games are seen as a valuable learning experience for both nations.
For Qatar: Facing a strong 'A' side from a Test-playing nation like Afghanistan provides essential exposure to a higher level of competition, which is crucial for the development of Qatari cricket.
For Afghan Abdalyan: The series served its intended purpose, offering their younger players competitive game time and match practice ahead of the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.
The earlier matches in the series also saw the Afghan Abdalyan team dominate the contests, often winning by comfortable margins, including a 20-run victory in the second practice match (November 10th).
While the exact T20I status of the matches remains a point of discussion, the action on the field proved beneficial for both teams as they continue their respective preparations for future international commitments.
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