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Nepal registered a memorable five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket competition on Friday. Chasing 103 in a 20-over contest at Kosi Sports Park in Nisshin, Nepal reached 103/5 in 17.2 overs to complete the win with 16 balls to spare.
Afghanistan struggled to build momentum after being asked to bat first and managed only 102/7 from their 20 overs. Nepal's bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals before their batters completed the chase without allowing the required rate to become a major concern.
Nepal restrict Afghanistan to 102/7 in Asian Games 2026 clash
Afghanistan never managed to establish a strong platform after losing wickets at regular intervals. Faisal Khan Ahmadzai and Najibullah Zadran both made 30, but neither could carry the innings deep enough to give Afghanistan a substantial total.
Nangeyalia Khan added an unbeaten 17, while Afghanistan finished on 102/7 after 20 overs. Nepal's bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings, with Lalit Rajbanshi emerging as the pick of the bowlers.
Rajbanshi finished with three wickets, while Kushal Bhurtel bagged four wickets. Afghanistan's inability to build partnerships meant Nepal needed only 103 runs to complete the chase.
Nepal pull off brilliant run chase to register memorable win
Nepal's chase was not completely straightforward, with wickets falling at regular intervals in the first half of the innings. Sundeep Jora provided stability with 34 from 35 balls, while Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 33 from 32 deliveries.
Jora's innings included three fours and a six, while Paudel struck four boundaries as Nepal gradually moved towards the target. Dipendra Singh Airee added 15 before his dismissal, with Nepal eventually reaching 103/5 in 17.2 overs.
The result gives Nepal two points and puts them in a strong position to progress to the quarterfinal stage. They will face Japan in their remaining preliminary-round fixture, with another positive result strengthening their position in the group.
| Asian Games 2026: Afghanistan vs Nepal | |||
Team | Score | Overs | Key performers |
| Afghanistan | 102/7 | 20 | Faisal Khan Ahmadzai 30, Najibullah Zadran 30, Nangeyalia Khan 17* |
| Nepal | 103/5 | 17.2 | Sundeep Jora 34, Rohit Paudel 33*, Dipendra Singh Airee 15 |
| Result | Nepal won by 5 wickets | 16 balls remaining | Lalit Rajbanshi took 3 wickets |
Nepal also defeated Afghanistan in their 1st ever T20I clash
Nepal's victory over Afghanistan also continues their positive record against the side in T20 cricket. The two teams had previously met only once in a men's T20I before Friday's Asian Games contest.
That meeting came during the 2014 World T20 in Chattogram, where Nepal recorded a memorable nine-run victory. Nepal posted 141/5 after Subash Khakurel top-scored with 56 from 53 balls, while Sharad Vesawkar added 37 from 32.
Afghanistan were restricted to 132/8 in reply. Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran picked up two wickets each, but Nepal's bowlers held their nerve to defend the total.
More than a decade later, Nepal have now added another victory over Afghanistan in the shortest format, this time on the Asian Games stage. The five-wicket win also leaves them with an important advantage as they continue their campaign in Nisshin.
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