Afghanistan Wins Opening Match at Asian Games 2026
Afghanistan made a strong start to their men’s cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating Japan by 48 runs in their opening Group A match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Japan won the toss and decided to field first, hoping to restrict Afghanistan to a manageable total. However, Afghanistan’s batters produced a steady performance and finished their 20 overs at 129/6.
Mohammad Akram was Afghanistan’s leading scorer with 34 runs, hitting two fours and two sixes during his innings. He received good support from Karim Janat, who scored 21 runs. Captain Darwish Rasooli also made an important contribution with 29 runs, including four boundaries.
Mohammad Ishaq provided some late support and remained unbeaten on 25 runs as Afghanistan reached a competitive total. Japan’s bowlers Ibrahim Takahashi and Shoma Sugaya-Slater claimed three wickets each, but Afghanistan managed to maintain enough scoring momentum to set Japan a challenging target.
Japan began their chase looking to build partnerships, but Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming was Japan’s top scorer with 31 runs, but the team struggled to find regular boundaries and lost wickets at important stages.
Afghanistan spinner Nangeyalia Kharote played a key role with three wickets, helping prevent Japan from building a strong partnership. Japan were eventually bowled out for 81 in 19.3 overs, giving Afghanistan a comfortable 48-run victory.
The result gives Afghanistan two valuable points and an encouraging start in Group A. The team will next face Nepal on September 25, while Japan will meet Nepal on September 26.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage. Afghanistan will be hoping to continue their strong run after finishing as runners-up at the previous Asian Games.
With their opening victory secured, Afghanistan have made a positive start to their campaign and will now look to maintain their momentum in the remaining group matches.