Afghanistan has qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Games cricket tournament despite a five-wicket defeat to Nepal in their Group A fixture on Friday.
The qualification was sealed on Saturday (September 26, 2026) after the crucial group-stage encounter between Nepal and hosts Japan at the Nisshin Korogi Sports Park was abandoned due to persistent rain. Nepal had posted 149/4 in 15 overs—powered by half-centuries from Sundeep Jora (57 off 32) and Lokesh Bam (57 off 22)—before inclement weather halted play permanently. The resulting point distribution eliminated Japan with just 1 point from Group A, allowing both Nepal and Afghanistan to progress to the knockout stages.
With the quarter-final lineups now finalized, Afghanistan faces a formidable challenge against India on September 28, while Nepal will take on Sri Lanka on September 29. Elsewhere in the draw, Pakistan plays Hong Kong China on September 28, and Bangladesh faces Malaysia on September 29 after Malaysia advanced following a rain abandonment against Oman.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sports Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
