Guru bhai 247 brings the latest update from the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament, where Afghanistan defeated hosts Japan by 48 runs in their Group A opener at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. Afghanistan posted 129/6 before bowling Japan out for 81 in 19.3 overs.
In the afghanistan vs japan clash, Afghanistan's bowling attack dominated after Japan made a promising start. Debutant leg-spinner Arab Gul Momand claimed four wickets, while Nangeyalia Kharoti added three wickets to help Afghanistan complete a convincing victory.
Afghanistan's innings was led by Mohammad Akram, who scored 34 from 29 balls. Captain Darwish Rasooli made 29 from 27, while Mohammad Ishaq contributed 25 from 17 balls. The pair added 44 runs from 25 deliveries to steady the innings after Afghanistan slipped to 79/4.
Japan's chase began positively, with Reo Sakurano-Thomas scoring 23 and Benjamin Ito-Davis making 17. Japan reached 53/1 after 7.3 overs, but the innings quickly collapsed after a series of wickets. Arab Gul Momand struck repeatedly, including two double-wicket maidens, as Japan fell from 60/3 to 63/8.
Afghanistan's victory gives them an early advantage in Group A. Both Afghanistan and Japan will also face Nepal, with the top two teams from the group progressing to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2026 cricket competition.
