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The Afghanistan vs Japan cricket match is the opening game of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The Group A T20I is being played on Thursday, September 24, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. The match is currently in progress, with Japan choosing to field after winning the toss.
Afghanistan vs Japan Latest News Today: Top Headlines
- Afghanistan are facing Japan in the opening men’s cricket match of the 2026 Asian Games.
- The Group A match is being played at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin.
- Japan won the toss and elected to field.
- Afghanistan captain Darwish Rasooli is leading the team.
- Japan are captained by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming.
- Afghanistan were 43/1 after seven overs in the latest live update.
- Mohammad Akram was batting alongside Karim Janat during that phase.
- The men’s Asian Games cricket tournament runs from September 24 to October 3.
- Afghanistan will also face Nepal in Group A.
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have direct quarter-final places.
Afghanistan vs Japan Live Score Update
The Afghanistan vs Japan live cricket match began on September 24 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Japan won the toss and decided to bowl first.
In the latest available live score, Afghanistan had reached 43/1 after seven overs. Karim Janat was on 16 from 14 deliveries, while Mohammad Akram was unbeaten on 23 from 18 balls. Japan’s bowlers were attempting to restrict Afghanistan’s scoring during the opening innings.
Because the match is still underway, the final score and result should be checked after the completion of both innings.
Afghanistan vs Japan Match Details
The contest is part of the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Match information
- Match: Afghanistan vs Japan
- Competition: Asian Games Men’s T20I 2026
- Date: September 24, 2026
- Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
- Group: Group A
- Format: T20
- Afghanistan captain: Darwish Rasooli
- Japan captain: Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming
- Toss: Japan elected to field
The Japan Cricket Association’s official event page lists the Afghanistan-Japan match for September 24 at Korogi Park.
Afghanistan Squad and Key Players
Afghanistan have named a squad containing several experienced players for the Asian Games. Darwish Rasooli is the captain, while the squad also includes Mohammad Akram, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq and Nangyal Kharoti.
The team has experience of Asian Games cricket, having reached the men’s final at the previous edition. The 2026 tournament provides another opportunity for Afghanistan to compete for a medal.
In the current match, Mohammad Akram made an early contribution with the bat, while Karim Janat also added runs before being dismissed.
Japan Squad and Captain
Japan enter the match as the host nation and have a developing domestic cricket programme. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming is leading the Japanese side.
The squad includes Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Wataru Miyauchi, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Declan Suzuki and wicketkeeper Shirai-Patmore.
Japan’s participation is also significant for the growth of cricket in the country. Reuters recently reported that Japan has around 7,300 registered cricket players and 16 cricket grounds, with the 2026 Asian Games providing an important international platform.
Afghanistan vs Japan Asian Games Format
Ten teams are participating in the men’s cricket competition. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are among the Full Member nations that have been directly seeded into the quarter-finals.
Afghanistan are part of the first-round group stage alongside Japan and Nepal. The top two teams from each first-round group advance to the quarter-finals.
Afghanistan’s next group match is against Nepal on September 25.
Why Afghanistan vs Japan Matters
The match is important for both sides as the men’s cricket competition begins at the Asian Games. Afghanistan are bringing international experience, while Japan are playing on home soil in a major multi-sport event.
The 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament will continue until October 3, when the men’s medal matches are scheduled. All men’s matches are being played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Afghanistan vs Japan Live Streaming and Updates
Fans looking for Afghanistan vs Japan live score today can follow live scorecards and ball-by-ball commentary through major cricket platforms. The match is scheduled as part of the Asian Games men’s T20 competition.
Readers should distinguish between live score updates and the confirmed final result, particularly while the match is still in progress.
