Afghanistan crush hosts Japan by 48 runs in Asian Games men's cricket opener

Men's cricket at the 2026 Asian Games got underway on Thursday, September 24, with matches being played in Japan. The opening game of the tournament was between hosts Japan and Afghanistan. The contest was closely fought from start to finish, but Afghanistan eventually won by a convincing 48 runs.

Japan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Afghanistan, batting first, got off to a poor start, losing their first wicket with the score on just 14 runs when Hazratullah Zazai was dismissed for 3. Karim Janat followed, out for 21, and Mohammad Ikram departed for 34, leaving Afghanistan on 68 for three. Captain Darwish Rasooli then played an innings of 29 and Mohammad Ishaq made 25, taking the total past a hundred. At the end of 20 overs, Afghanistan had scored 129 for six. For Japan, Shoma Sugaya and Ibrahim Takahashi each took two wickets.

Chasing 130, Japan made a disappointing start, losing their first wicket without scoring a run as opener Lachlan Yamamoto-Leek was dismissed for a duck. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming was also out for just 14. With the score on 60, Japan lost three wickets in quick succession, losing half their side. Japan's innings folded for just 81 in 19.3 overs. Arab Gul Momand took four wickets for Afghanistan, while Nangeyalia Kharote took three. With this win, Afghanistan picked up two points.

The tournament features six teams divided into three groups. Group A consists of Nepal, Afghanistan and Japan, while Group B has China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman. The top two teams from each of these groups will advance to the quarterfinals. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have already qualified for the next round based on their rankings. The defeat has ended hosts Japan's hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.