India to face Afghanistan in Asian Games 2026 men's cricket quarter-finals after Nepal tops Pool A

India will face Afghanistan in the men's cricket quarter-finals at the Asian Games 2026 (Image: IANS)

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 against Japan in Nisshin on Saturday. The result confirmed the knockout-stage line-up, with Nepal progressing as group winners and Afghanistan advancing as the second-placed side. India's quarter-final against Afghanistan is scheduled for September 28 in Nisshin, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Nepal's explosive finish sets up washout

Nepal were asked to bat first and posted an imposing 149/4 in 15 overs, with Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam providing a late assault. Nepal were struggling at 84/4 after 10 overs before Jora and Bam changed the complexion of the innings. Jora, who came in at No. 3, remained unbeaten on 57 off 32 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes. Bam was even more aggressive at the death, hammering an unbeaten 52 off just 22 balls, including six sixes and a four. Earlier, Aasif Sheikh gave Nepal a brisk start to the middle phase, scoring 21 off 15 balls and putting on a 55-run partnership with Jora for the second wicket.

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Nepal had otherwise found it difficult to build momentum, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha all falling for single-digit scores.

Rain ends Japan's chase before it begins

Japan were set a challenging target of 150 from 15 overs, but their chase never got underway. Persistent rain returned after Nepal's innings and prevented Japan from taking the field. With no further play possible, the match was abandoned. The washout meant Nepal finished top of Pool A, while Afghanistan progressed alongside them into the quarter-finals. With the group-stage equation settled, India now turn their attention to the knockout stage. The Indian side will take on Afghanistan in the quarter-final on September 28 in Nisshin, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.

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