Ditchling v Afghanistan - Cricket

Surrounded by tight security and watched by baffled US servicemen, the tourists from Ditchling Cricket Club were beaten by 124 runs over 25 overs on Friday 1st May.

Ditchling's unlikely journey to Kabul began three years ago with an Afghan cricket tour of the UK. A chance meeting between a Ditchling player and an Afghan official prompted an open invitation to play the village side.

The offer was taken up when another fixture against a Sussex 2nd XI fell through and 300 villagers turned up to watch the Afghans play on the village pitch.

Six months ago, the idea of a return match was raised and with the aid of village sponsors and support from Afghan businesses, the Kabul Cup was born. The team captain, Jamie Theakston, the radio presenter who lives in the village, said it "seemed fair" to let the Afghans win on their home ground.

For security reasons local silversmiths Pruden & Smith were sworn to secrecy whilst they made the beautiful trophy - a large rose bowl hammered in their classic style.

Pruden & Smith info@prudenandsmith.com