Afghanistan dominates Japan with 48-run victory at 2026 Asian Games

On Thursday, Afghanistan kicked off their 2026 Asian Games men's cricket campaign with a dominant 48-run victory over host nation Japan. The match took place at Nisshin's Korogi Sports Park. Japan chose to field first after winning the toss. Afghanistan posted 129 for six in their allotted 20 overs, with Mohammad Akram being the top scorer at 34 from 29 balls.

Captain Darwish Rasooli contributed 29 runs from 27 balls. Shoma Sugaya-Slater and Ibrahim Takahasi each claimed two wickets for Japan. Mohammad Ishaq added 25 runs off 17 balls, including two fours and a six, which helped Afghanistan finish strongly after slipping to 79 for four in the 16th over. Despite Japan's efforts, they could only manage 81 runs in 19.3 overs, falling significantly short of the target.

Reo Sakurano-Thomas top-scored for Japan with 23 from 24 balls, while Benjamin Ito-Davis contributed 17 runs off eight deliveries. Afghanistan's spinner Nangeyalia Kharote took two wickets, and Arab Gul Momand claimed two wickets for two runs. Najibullah Zadran also picked up a wicket but conceded only one run from his 1.1 overs.

The victory gives Afghanistan an early advantage in Group A, which also includes Japan and Nepal. Afghanistan will take on Nepal in their second group match on Friday, while Japan will face Nepal on Saturday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals alongside seeded teams India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.