Afghanistan Beat Japan by 48 Runs in Asian Games Cricket Opener

Arab Gul and Nangeyalia Kharote took seven wickets between them as Afghanistan defended 129 against Japan in the opening men’s cricket match at the 2026 Asian Games.

Afghanistan beat Japan by 48 runs in the opening match of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin today.

Afghanistan scored 129 for 6 in 20 overs after Japan chose to field. Mohammad Akram top-scored with 34 runs. Captain Darwish Rasooli made 29. Mohammad Ishaq added an unbeaten 25 from 17 balls.

Japan made a steady start in the chase. The hosts reached 53 for 2 in the eighth over. They then lost wickets at regular intervals.

Gul and Kharote Lead Afghanistan’s Bowling

Arab Gul made his T20I debut with four wickets for eight runs. Nangeyalia Kharote took three wickets for 19 runs. Abdollah Ahmadzai took two for 13.

Japan fell from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8. The team was eventually bowled out for 81 in 19.3 overs.

Reo Sakurano-Thomas scored 23 for Japan. He was the team’s highest scorer.

The win gives Afghanistan two points in Group A. Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal are in the group. The top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals. The Olympic Council of Asia confirmed the men’s competition will be played in the T20 format.