Nisshin, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India will face Afghanistan in the men’s cricket quarter-finals at the Asian Games 2026 after Nepal topped Pool A following a rain-affected washout between Nepal and Japan in Nisshin on Saturday.
The India-Afghanistan quarter-final is scheduled for September 28 in Nisshin, with Nepal’s first-place finish determining the knockout-stage line-up. Afghanistan advanced to the quarter-finals alongside Nepal, while Japan’s abandoned match brought their campaign to an end.
Japan’s chase against Nepal could not begin after persistent rain brought the match to a premature conclusion. Nepal had posted 149/4 in 15 overs after being asked to bat.
Nepal’s innings was powered by a late assault from Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam. The pair accelerated after Nepal reached 84/4 at the end of 10 overs and remained unbeaten.
Jora, batting at No. 3, smashed an unbeaten 57 off 32 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Bam provided the final flourish with 52 not out from just 22 deliveries, hitting six sixes and a four.
Earlier, Aasif Sheikh made 21 off 15 balls and added 55 runs with Jora for the second wicket. Nepal had otherwise struggled to build momentum, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha departing after making single-digit scores.
Japan were left needing 150 runs from 15 overs in a severely shortened contest, but further rain prevented their innings from getting underway.
The washout confirmed Nepal as Pool A winners and sent Afghanistan through as the second qualifying side. Japan were eliminated from the competition.
Japan had shown promise during the tournament, particularly with the ball against Afghanistan in their opening match. They had also competed against India in the one-off T20I preceding the Games, although their batting remained a concern.
India will now turn its attention to the knockout stage, with Afghanistan standing between the team and a place in the semi-finals.
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