Afghanistan's female cricketers play an exhibition match at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, with the players hoping to "open doors" for women in the country.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) supports Afghan women cricketers exiled by Taliban governance through a new refugee fund. Despite restrictions, these athletes found refuge in Australia and played their first match.

The exiled Afghanistan womens cricket team faced Cricket Without Borders XI in Melbourne at the Junction Oval on Thursday; Afghanistans coach described the historic fixture is more important than ever

There is growing pressure on England to boycott February’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, but for those living under Taliban rule cricket provides “a moment of peace in a lifetime of struggles”.

The Afghanistan Women's XI, comprised of refugees now living in Australia, will play a symbolic T20 match in Melbourne as a pivotal step towards reentering international cricket. The exhibition signifies hope and resilience,

Afghanistan's women cricketers on Thursday played their first game since fleeing the Taliban three years ago, a charity match in Australia that captain Nahida Sapan said she hoped would spark "a movement for change".