Nepal produced a memorable performance at the Asian Games in Japan Men’s 2026 as they defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the fourth match at Korogi Sports Park. After Afghanistan opted to bat first, Nepal’s bowlers produced a disciplined display to restrict their opponents to 102/7 in 20 overs. Nepal then chased down the modest target in 17.2 overs, securing an important five-wicket victory in the tournament.

Afghanistan struggle to build momentum

Afghanistan found it difficult to establish control after choosing to bat first. Their innings got off to a poor start as Mohammad Akram managed only two runs from eight deliveries, while Hassan Eisakhel was dismissed without scoring after facing two balls. Karim Janat added nine runs from nine deliveries, leaving Afghanistan under pressure during the early stages.

Faisal Shinozada and Najibullah Zadran then attempted to steady the innings. Shinozada scored a patient 30 from 33 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Najibullah also contributed 30 runs, although he needed 40 deliveries for his innings and struck two boundaries. Mohammad Ishaq added seven before being dismissed, while Darwish Rasooli was out for a duck.

Nangeyalia Kharote provided a late boost with 17 from 15 balls, including three fours, but Afghanistan could only reach 102/7 from their 20 overs. Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel. Rajbanshi finished with excellent figures of 3/13 from four overs, while Bhurtel claimed four wickets for 21 runs in his four-over spell.

Nepal complete comfortable chase

Nepal’s chase did not begin smoothly either, with Kushal dismissed for a duck and Aasif Sheikh contributing just two runs. However, Sundeep Jora and Kushal Malla helped settle the innings before Malla was dismissed for nine from 12 deliveries.

Jora played a valuable innings of 34 from 35 balls, striking three fours and a six, while Rohit Kumar Paudel provided crucial support with 33 from 32 deliveries. Paudel hit four boundaries and ensured Nepal remained on course despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Dipendra Singh Airee added 15 from 18 balls before Nepal eventually reached 103/5 in 17.2 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers picked up wickets through Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Arab Gul, who claimed one wicket each, but they could not prevent Nepal from completing the chase.

The five-wicket victory gives Nepal a significant result in their Asian Games campaign, while Afghanistan will be left to reflect on an innings in which they struggled to score freely. Nepal’s disciplined bowling effort, followed by steady contributions from Jora and Paudel, proved decisive as they successfully chased down Afghanistan’s 103-run target with 16 balls to spare.

Also READ: Arab Gul Momand, Nangeyalia Kharoti spin Afghanistan to thumping win over Japan in Asian Games 2026 opener

Here’s how fans reacted

🚨 HISTORIC WIN FOR NEPAL CRICKET 😍

– Nepal defeated Afghanistan in the Asian Games in Men’s Cricket.

What a moment for Nepal. pic.twitter.com/0hZomFo3Ve

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2026

NEPAL HAVE BEATEN AFGHANISTAN! 🔥🏏

Their 3rd-ever T20I win against a Test-playing nation and the first big upset of the 2026 Asian Games! 😮

The Rhinos keep growing. 🦏🇳🇵#AsianGames #CricketEverywhere pic.twitter.com/OrtNGivdeu

— Associate Chronicles (@AssociateChrons) September 25, 2026

Nepal have defeated Afghanistan in the Asian Games! 🇳🇵

They restricted Afghanistan to just 102 runs, but started the chase very nervously.

Thanks to Sandeep Jora and the Airee-Paudel partnership, which helped Nepal chase this down easily. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FjGvQOthgB

— Clink (@ClinkWrites) September 25, 2026

Nepal has beaten Afghanistan mate pic.twitter.com/8tG1lQTM7v

— Araloo #B2BELIEV4 (@ln2025wdc01) September 25, 2026

Asian Games: Nepal defeated Afghanistan! 🇳🇵👏

This was only the 2nd time Nepal and Afghanistan have faced each other in intl cricket and Nepal have now won both encounters!#AsianGames pic.twitter.com/6bJ6fHDyx3

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) September 25, 2026

Nepal Have Defeated Afghanistan. Historic Win. A Big Upset pic.twitter.com/IG4ymZC7st

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) September 25, 2026

Nepal won by 5 wickets against Afghanstan. Japan be ready. https://t.co/7ssKeViNHL pic.twitter.com/fAuLtAvDas

— Bisswass Culer (@culerboii) September 25, 2026

In T20I status matches between these teams

Nepal🇳🇵 2
Afghanistan🇦🇫 0 pic.twitter.com/BlUPfnJ8pl

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) September 25, 2026

Nepal beats Afghanistan by 5 wickets
Tomorrow if nepal beats japan then we will face Afghanistan in Quarter finals pic.twitter.com/kdPMPQsa9z

— cricmawa (@cricmawa) September 25, 2026

Congratulations to all Nepali🇳🇵❤️History created ..
A big win against test nation afghanistan.
Afg: 102/7
Nepal:103/5@cricnepal @ACBofficials @CricketNep pic.twitter.com/fFvwr7smt4

— Anjan Bhatta (@AnjanBhatta3) September 25, 2026

Also READ: Asian Games 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Japan & other countries