Gul and Kharote Spin Afghanistan to Victory Over Japan in Asian Games Opener

Afghanistan opened their Asian Games men’s cricket campaign with a convincing victory over Japan, defending a modest total of 129 as their spinners dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup in the Group A opener.

Right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul made an immediate impact on his T20I debut, claiming four wickets for just eight runs, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote contributed three for 19 as Afghanistan bowled Japan out for 81 in 19.3 overs.

Japan had made a promising start to the chase, reaching 53 for 2 in the eighth over. However, their innings quickly fell apart once Afghanistan’s spinners took control.

Gul produced the decisive spell, claiming two wickets in both the 12th and 14th overs. Japan slumped from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8 as the wristspinner ripped through the middle order. Abdollah Ahmadzai and Kharote then wrapped up the innings to secure Afghanistan a two-point start to their campaign.

Earlier, Afghanistan posted 129 for 6 after being asked to bat first. Mohammad Akram top-scored with 34, while captain Darwish Rasooli made 29 and Karim Janat added 21.

Japan’s bowlers had kept Afghanistan under control for much of the innings, restricting them to less than six runs an over during the first 15 overs. Right-arm seamer Shoma Sugaya-Slater and offspinner Ibrahim Takahashi claimed two wickets each.

Mohammad Ishaq, however, provided the late acceleration Afghanistan needed. Coming in at No. 6, he remained unbeaten on 25 from just 17 deliveries to lift Afghanistan to a defendable total.

The defeat came just two days after Japan had narrowly missed out on a potential upset against India in a rain-affected match in Sano. Against Afghanistan, however, the hosts were unable to replicate that performance as the Afghan spin attack proved too strong.

Afghanistan and Japan will both face Nepal in their remaining Group A fixtures. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.