Afghanistan vs Japan: Afghanistan Beat Japan by 48 Runs
Afghanistan vs Japan delivered a one-sided result in the opening men's cricket match of the Asian Games 2026, with Afghanistan A defeating Japan by 48 runs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Japan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Afghanistan A responded by scoring 129/6 in 20 overs, setting Japan a target of 130 runs. Japan struggled during the chase and were eventually bowled out for 81 runs in 19.3 overs.
Afghanistan vs Japan Scorecard
TeamScoreOversAfghanistan A129/620.0Japan81 all out19.3ResultAfghanistan won by 48 runs—
Afghanistan A Batting Performance
After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan A posted 129 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Mohammad Akram was Afghanistan's top scorer with 34 runs, while captain Darwish Rasooli contributed 29 runs. Mohammad Ishaq remained unbeaten on 25, and Karim Janat added 21 runs to the total.
The Afghanistan batting unit managed to put together a competitive total despite Japan taking six wickets during the innings.
Japan Struggle in the Chase
Japan needed 130 runs to win but found it difficult to build partnerships against Afghanistan's bowling attack.
Japan were eventually dismissed for 81 runs in 19.3 overs, handing Afghanistan a 48-run victory in their opening Asian Games men's cricket match.
Reo Sakurano-Thomas was among Japan's leading contributors, scoring 23 runs from 24 deliveries.
Afghanistan Bowling Attack Makes the Difference
Afghanistan's bowlers produced a strong performance while defending 129 runs.
Arab Gul Momand was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Nangeyalia Kharote picked up three wickets and Abdullah Ahmadzai claimed two wickets.
The regular wickets prevented Japan from building the momentum required to chase down the target.
Afghanistan vs Japan Match Highlights
The match followed a straightforward pattern. Japan won the toss and chose to bowl, but Afghanistan A reached 129/6 after 20 overs.
Mohammad Akram's 34 and Darwish Rasooli's 29 helped Afghanistan establish a defendable total. Mohammad Ishaq's unbeaten 25 also added valuable runs during the latter part of the innings.
Japan's chase never developed into a sustained partnership. Afghanistan's bowling attack continued to take wickets and eventually dismissed Japan for 81 in 19.3 overs.
The final margin was 48 runs, giving Afghanistan A a winning start to their Asian Games 2026 campaign.
What Next for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan A will return to action against Nepal in their next Group A match.
The fixture is scheduled for September 25, 2026. The official Asian Games schedule lists Afghanistan vs Nepal as the next Group A match, while Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the match for 9:30 AM Afghanistan time.
Japan will next face Nepal on September 26 in their Group A fixture.
Afghanistan vs Japan: Key Match Facts
Match: Afghanistan A vs Japan
Tournament: Asian Games 2026
Format: T20
Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan
Afghanistan A: 129/6
Japan: 81 all out
Result: Afghanistan won by 48 runs
Top Afghanistan scorer: Mohammad Akram – 34
Top Afghanistan bowler: Arab Gul Momand – 4 wickets
Next Afghanistan match: Afghanistan vs Nepal
