Gul, Kharote spin Afghanistan to victory over Japan in Asian Games opener
Chasing a modest 130 in Nisshin, Japan were all out for 81 in the opening match of the men's cricket competition at the Asian Games
In their opening match of the Asian Games men's competition, Afghanistan defeated Japan by 48 runs. Right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul took 4 for 8, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote picked up 3 for 19. Japan's chase began steadily, reaching 53 for 2 in the eighth over before stalling out. Gul and Ahmadzai claimed key wickets in the 12th and 14th overs, causing Japan's score to dwindle from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8.
The team bowled Japan out for 81 in 19.3 overs. Afghanistan had posted 129 for 6, with Mohammad Akram scoring 34, captain Darwish Rasooli 29, and Karim Janat contributing 21. Mohammad Ishaq's unbeaten 25 off 17 balls from the No. 6 position proved decisive after Japan had limited Afghanistan to six runs per over for the first 15 overs.
Shoma Sugaya-Slater and Ibrahim Takahashi each took two wickets for Japan. The top two teams from Group A will advance to the quarter-finals.
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