Astana returned from Kostanay with two convincing wins over Tobol in the Kazakhstan National League, adding another strong chapter to the team’s early-season form.
The first game, played on 26 October at SRC Kostanay, started with a fast-paced 10-point run from Astana. The hosts managed to settle into the game by the end of the opening quarter (16:26) and held firm defensively in the second (15:16), but the visitors once again pulled away after halftime. Matching their strong start, Astana dominated the third quarter (16:26) and confidently closed out the game — 56:88.
The second matchup was even more one-sided. From the opening minutes, Astana took control, racing to a 13:36 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the gap had ballooned to 24:59, and despite a more balanced third period (17:22), the capital side finished in style — 54:103.
The trip also gave Astana’s coaching staff a chance to rotate the squad and give valuable minutes to the younger players — Valery Simonov, Aset Amangeldinov, Sardal Abashidze, Amirali Suleimenov, and Magzhan Sarsengaliyev — all of whom made solid contributions.
With two more wins on the board, Astana now returns home to prepare for the next series against Caspiy, set for 3 and 4 November.
