Afghanistan began their Asian Games in Japan Men’s 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Japan by 48 runs in the tournament opener at Korogi Sports Park. After Japan opted to bowl first, Afghanistan posted 129/6 in 20 overs before their spinners dismantled the Japanese batting line-up, restricting the hosts to 81 all out in 19.3 overs.
Afghanistan manage to reach a competitive total
Afghanistan did not have a completely smooth outing with the bat after being asked to face Japan first. Mohammad Akram provided the innings with an important contribution of 34 runs from 29 balls, striking two fours and two sixes. He formed part of Afghanistan’s effort to build a defendable total despite Japan’s disciplined bowling.
Darwish Rasooli added 29 from 27 balls, including four boundaries, while Karim Janat contributed 21 off 23 deliveries. Mohammad Ishaq then provided some late impetus with a quick 25 from 17 balls, hitting two fours and a six.
Japan’s bowling attack kept Afghanistan from running away with the game. Shoma Slater and Ibrahim Takahashi claimed two wickets apiece, while Reo Sakurano-Thomas also picked up two wickets for just six runs from his two overs. Benjamin Ito took one wicket, with Afghanistan eventually finishing on 129/6.
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Arab Gul Momand, Nangeyalia Kharoti Destroy Japan’s chase
Japan’s chase never gained momentum as Afghanistan’s bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments. Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake was dismissed for a duck, while Japan struggled to establish partnerships during the innings.
Sakurano-Thomas offered some resistance with 23 from 24 balls, hitting three fours, while Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming scored 14. Benjamin Ito briefly raised hopes with an aggressive 17 off just eight balls, including two fours and a six, but Japan’s lower order could not maintain the momentum.
Arab Gul Momand produced the standout bowling performance for Afghanistan, finishing with an exceptional 4/8 from four overs. His spell put Japan under enormous pressure and ensured the chase never developed into a serious contest. Nangeyalia Kharoti provided further damage with 3/20 in 3.3 overs, while Abdullah Ahmadzai claimed two wickets for 13 runs. Najibullah Zadran also picked up one wicket.
Japan were eventually bowled out for 81 in 19.3 overs, handing Afghanistan a comprehensive 48-run victory in the opening match of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition.
Afghanistan kick off their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a 48-run win over Japan ✋#JAPvAFG #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/QSFN9p96Jp
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 24, 2026
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