Afghanistan Beat Japan by 48 Runs in Asian Games Cricket Opener

Afghanistan began their Asian Games 2026 men's cricket campaign with a 48-run win over hosts Japan in the tournament opener at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

Batting first after being asked to field, Afghanistan posted 129 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Mohammad Akram top-scoring on 34 from 29 balls and captain Darwish Rasooli adding 29. Afghanistan had slipped to 79 for 4 in the 16th over before Mohammad Ishaq's unbeaten 25 off 17 balls, including a 44-run stand with Rasooli, lifted the total to a defendable mark.

Arab Gul Momand starred on his T20I debut, taking 4 for 8 as Japan collapsed to 81 all out in 19.3 overs. Nangeyalia Kharote chipped in with 3 for 19 as Afghanistan's spinners shared the bulk of the wickets. The result gives Afghanistan an early lead in Group A, which also includes Japan and Nepal, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals alongside seeded teams India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.