Afghanistan vs Japan: Arab Gul Takes 4 Wickets as Afghanistan Win by 48 Runs in Asian Games

Afghanistan A began their men's cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games with a convincing 48-run victory over Japan in the Group A opener at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Thursday.

After Japan won the toss and elected to bowl, Afghanistan posted 129/6 in 20 overs. Japan's chase never reached the required momentum as Afghanistan's spinners took control of the innings and bowled the hosts out for 81 in 19.3 overs.

Right-arm wrist-spinner Arab Gul Momand was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for just 8 runs in four overs on his T20 debut. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote added three wickets for 19 runs, while Abdullah Ahmadzai picked up two wickets.

Afghanistan vs Japan: Arab Gul Shines on T20 Debut

Arab Gul produced a remarkable spell to turn the match decisively in Afghanistan's favour.

The 20-year-old spinner conceded only eight runs in his four-over spell and took four wickets. His spell included two double-wicket overs as Japan's innings fell apart during the middle overs.

Japan had reached 53/2 before the collapse began. From there, Afghanistan's bowlers took seven wickets for just 22 runs, reducing Japan from a competitive position to 63/8.

Arab Gul's spell was particularly damaging, with his wickets helping Afghanistan remove Japan's middle order and expose the lower order.

Japan Collapse From 53/2 to 81 All Out

Japan made a relatively steady start while chasing 130.

The hosts reached 53/2 in the eighth over, with Reo Sakurano-Thomas and Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming contributing to the early resistance. Benjamin Ito-Davis also struck 17 from just eight balls.

But Afghanistan's spinners changed the course of the match.

Japan slipped from 53/2 to 60/4 before the wickets continued to fall rapidly. The score soon became 63/8, leaving Japan with little chance of completing the chase.

Japan eventually reached 81 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs, handing Afghanistan a 48-run victory.

Japan innings: 81 all out in 19.3 overs

Top scorer: Reo Sakurano-Thomas – 23

Arab Gul: 4/8

Nangeyalia Kharote: 3/19

Abdullah Ahmadzai: 2/13

Mohammad Akram Leads Afghanistan's Batting Effort

Afghanistan were sent in to bat after Japan won the toss.

The Afghan side made a measured start before Mohammad Akram provided the innings with its highest score. Akram struck 34 off 29 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

Captain Darwish Rasooli contributed 29 from 27 balls, while Karim Janat scored 21 from 23 deliveries.

Afghanistan were 84/4 after 16 overs and needed a strong finish to post a competitive total. Rasooli helped accelerate the scoring before Mohammad Ishaq provided the late impetus.

Mohammad Ishaq's Unbeaten 25 Gives Afghanistan Strong Finish

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq played an important late cameo, finishing unbeaten on 25 from 17 balls.

Ishaq's innings included two fours and a six and helped Afghanistan reach 129/6 from their 20 overs.

His late contribution proved valuable because Afghanistan's eventual margin of victory was 48 runs.

Afghanistan Begin Asian Games Campaign With Win

The 48-run victory gives Afghanistan a winning start to their Asian Games men's cricket campaign.

According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Afghanistan will return to action on September 25, when they face Nepal in their second match of the competition.

The performance against Japan also highlighted Afghanistan's strength in spin bowling, with Arab Gul, Kharote and Ahmadzai combining to dismantle Japan's batting lineup.

For Japan, the challenge will be to regroup after losing seven wickets for only 22 runs during the crucial middle phase of the chase.