A joint air raid by Afghan and NATO forces killed eight civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan's Logar province, officials and local media confirmed on Monday.

Saudi women activists detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said.

Multiple explosions in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday killed six people and wounded 23 in an attack during celebrations to mark the Persian new year, government spokesmen said.

Rahmat Shah, who made 76, and Ihsanullah Janat with an unbeaten 65 put on 139 for the second wicket as they chased down 147 to win the match played in Dehradun, India.