Afghanistan secured a dominant 25-run victory over Qatar in the Only Afghanistan Vs Qatar T20I held at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, marking a decisive display of skill from the visiting side. Darwish Rasooli emerged as the star with the bat for Afghanistan, while Qatar showed glimpses of promise but ultimately fell short against a superior side.
On November 11, 2025, Afghanistan faced Qatar in a one-off T20 International at Doha. The match, serving as a litmus test for both teams’ T20 preparations, promised to be an exciting cricket encounter. While Afghanistan entered the contest as overwhelming favourites thanks to a robust T20 pedigree, hosts Qatar aspired to punch above their weight and spring a surprise in front of a passionate cricket audience.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Controlled Aggression Sets the Tone
- Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to set a challenging total on what appeared to be a decent batting wicket.
- The Afghan innings was anchored by Darwish Rasooli, who scored a sensational 68, finding boundaries regularly and maintaining brisk scoring momentum.
- Despite quick wickets in the powerplay that briefly derailed progress, Rasooli’s composed aggression stabilised the innings.
- Key partnerships in the middle overs, especially contributions from the likes of Zubaid Akbari, kept the scoreboard ticking.
Afghanistan eventually posted 149/8 in their allocated 20 overs. The total was built on calculated risks, controlled hitting, and crucial partnerships that weathered Qatar’s bowling surges.
Qatar’s Response: Fight and Flaws on Display
- Chasing 150, Qatar stumbled early, losing wickets to sharp Afghan pace and spin.
- Farmanullah Safi and Qais Ahmad were especially effective in containing run-scoring and breaking pivotal partnerships.
- Qatar’s hopes were briefly raised by cameo knocks, especially by players like Imal Liyanage and Mohammad Ahnaff, but regular wickets kept pegging them back.
- The loss of early wickets and lack of substantial partnerships throughout the chase hampered Qatar’s ability to mount a serious challenge.
- Ultimately, Qatar could only muster 124/7 at the end of their 20 overs, falling 25 runs short.
Key Moments and Match-Winners
- Darwish Rasooli’s 68 off 36 balls: A blend of power and precision, featuring multiple boundaries and a crucial anchor role.
- Afghanistan’s bowling: Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, and Abdullah Ahmadzai shared wickets and maintained a disciplined line and length, collectively squeezing the pressure on Qatari batsmen.
- Qatar’s spirited resistance: Lower-order contributions and brief partnerships added respectability to their total, although they never threatened the Afghan dominance.
Turning Points
- Afghanistan’s recovery after early wickets, courtesy of Rasooli, shifted momentum back after Qatar’s bowlers had threatened to create an upset.
- Key dismissals by Afghanistan at critical junctures, especially breaking partnerships just as they were blossoming, kept Qatar on the back foot.
Player Performances
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Darwish Rasooli | 68 Runs (36 balls) , Anchor and aggressor |
| Farmanullah Safi | 2 wickets, 19 runs in 3 overs, Key spells |
| Qais Ahmad | 1 wicket, economical bowling (6.66 RPO) |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | 2 wickets in 4 overs, New-ball impact |
| Imal Liyanage (QAT) | 11 Runs, tidy glovework |
| Mohammad Ahnaff (QAT) | 68 Runs (36 balls), Anchor and aggressor |
Stats Breakdown
- Afghanistan: 149/8 (20 overs)
- Top scorer: Darwish Rasooli (68)
- Key contributions: Middle-order partnerships
- Qatar: 124/7 (20 overs)
- Top scorer: Mohammad Ahnaff (17)
- Key partnerships: None significant, as wickets fell regularly
Bowling Analysis
- Afghan bowlers kept things tight, utilising a blend of pace and spin to effectively leverage the pitch conditions.
- Qatar’s bowling, especially in the power play, was commendable, but their momentum waned as Afghanistan settled and accelerated in the middle overs.
- Both sides showed discipline, but Afghanistan exhibited more control and match awareness.
Tactical Review
- Afghanistan’s decision to bat first provided them with the opportunity to dictate terms. Their batters’ adaptability in the face of adversity proved vital.
- Qatar’s inability to build lasting partnerships and rotate strike under pressure was a deciding factor.
- Afghan bowlers executed well-planned strategies, targeting key batsmen and varying their pace intelligently.
Impact and Significance
- This victory reinforces Afghanistan’s stature as an emerging force in Associate cricket, capable of managing expectations and delivering under pressure.
- For Qatar, the match highlights progress but also areas needing improvement, specifically batting partnerships and death bowling.