Rain Ends Japan’s Asian Games Campaign as Nepal Advance

Japan’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Asian Games came to an end after rain washed out their steep run chase against Nepal on Saturday.

Nepal were declared Group A winners after posting 149 for 4 in their allotted innings, with Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam producing unbeaten half-centuries. Japan were then denied the opportunity to chase the target as persistent rain prevented their innings from getting underway.

Japan needed to score 150 runs in just 15 overs, making it a challenging chase from the outset. However, the weather ensured they would never discover whether they could have mounted a serious challenge.

Nepal’s innings was interrupted by rain, including another stoppage during the fifth over. Despite the disruptions, they recovered strongly after losing several early wickets.

Aasif Sheikh provided some momentum with a 15-ball 21, while Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha were dismissed for single-digit scores. Jora then combined with Sheikh for a 55-run partnership for the second wicket before taking charge alongside Bam.

At the end of 10 overs, Nepal were 84 for 4, but the final five overs transformed their total. Bam launched an aggressive assault, smashing an unbeaten 52 from just 22 balls, including one four and six sixes.

Jora also remained unbeaten, finishing with 57 from 32 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Their late partnership gave Nepal a formidable total of 149 for 4.

Japan’s bowlers had earlier shown promise during their opening match against Afghanistan and also impressed against India in a one-off T20I before the Asian Games. However, their batting remained a weakness throughout the campaign.

With the match abandoned, Nepal finished top of Group A, while Afghanistan joined them in qualifying for the quarter-finals. Japan were eliminated from the competition, ending a campaign in which they showed flashes of competitiveness despite falling short with the bat.