Nepal begin Asian Games campaign with five-wicket win over Afghanistan

Nepal began their Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket campaign with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their Group A match at Korogi Sports Park on Friday.

NISSHIN: Nepal began their Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket campaign with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their Group A match at Korogi Sports Park on Friday.

Afghanistan captain Darwish Rasooli won the toss and elected to bat, but his side struggled against Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack, managing 102-7 from their 20 overs.

Kushal Bhurtel was the pick of the Nepal bowlers, taking 4-21 from his four overs, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed three wickets.

Faisal Khan Shinozada and Najibullah Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with 30 runs each. Nangeyalia Kharote was the only other Afghanistan batter to reach double figures, scoring 17 off 15 balls.

Nepal’s chase got off to a slow start, with the side losing three wickets for 31 runs, but they remained in control.

They reached 103-5 in 17.2 overs, with 16 balls to spare.

Sandeep Jora top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, hitting three fours and a six.

Rohit Paudel provided stability in the middle order, finishing unbeaten on 33 off 32 balls. He shared a 46-run partnership with captain Dipendra Singh Airee, who scored 15 off 18 balls.

Afghanistan’s Abdollah Ahmadzai, Arab Gul and Faridoon Dawoodzai took one wicket each, but could not prevent Nepal from completing the chase.