Afghanistan won by 48 runs against Japan in the opening Group A match of the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition, defending 129/6 after Mohammad Akram made 34. Arab Gul starred with four wickets as Japan were dismissed for 81 in 19.3 overs, giving Afghanistan an early 1-0 lead in the T20 competition.

Afghanistan’s 129/6 from 20 overs proved a defendable total after a disciplined Japanese bowling effort prevented the innings from breaking open. Mohammad Akram led the scoring with 34, while Darwish Rasooli contributed 29 and Mohammad Ishaq added 25.

Japan’s bowlers ensured Afghanistan had to work for every run. Shoma Sugaya-Slater and Ibrahim Takahashi took two wickets apiece, while Reo Sakurano-Thomas claimed one. In the detailed bowling returns, Sakurano-Thomas conceded just 6 runs in his two overs, and Takahashi returned 1/13 from two overs.

Afghanistan bowlers turn defence into a statement

Japan’s chase never gained the sustained momentum required to overhaul 130. Reo Sakurano-Thomas top-scored with 23, Benjamin Ito-Davis made 17 and Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming added 14, but Afghanistan kept breaking the developing partnerships.

Arab Gul was the chief destroyer with four wickets, supported by Nangeyalia Kharote’s three and Abdollah Ahmadzai’s two. Their combined nine wickets left Japan unable to build the decisive stand needed in a modest chase, and the innings ended at 81 with three balls of the 20th over remaining.

Key performers

  • Mohammad Akram: 34 runs for Afghanistan.
  • Darwish Rasooli: 29 runs for Afghanistan.
  • Mohammad Ishaq: 25 runs for Afghanistan.
  • Arab Gul: 4 wickets for Afghanistan.
  • Nangeyalia Kharote: 3 wickets for Afghanistan.
  • Abdollah Ahmadzai: 2 wickets for Afghanistan.
  • Reo Sakurano-Thomas: 23 runs for Japan and 1/6 from 2 overs.

NerdSports Stat: Arab Gul, Nangeyalia Kharote and Abdollah Ahmadzai combined for nine wickets as Afghanistan bowled Japan out for just 81 while defending 129.

What the result means

As the first match of Group A, Afghanistan’s victory establishes a 1-0 lead in the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition. Hong Kong face Malaysia later on Wednesday, before Afghanistan return on Thursday to play Nepal. Japan’s next Group A match is against Nepal on Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between Japan and Afghanistan?

Afghanistan won the match by 48 runs after scoring 129/6 and dismissing Japan for 81.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Arab Gul led Afghanistan’s match-winning bowling effort with four wickets.

What is the series standing after this match?

Afghanistan lead Group A of the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition 1-0 after the opening match.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Mohammad Akram top-scored with 34 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

Hong Kong play Malaysia later on Wednesday, September 23, in the next scheduled match of the competition.