Afghanistan beats Japan, Arab Gul Momand shines with four wickets

Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to beat Japan by 48 runs in the Asian Games cricket event. After Japan won the toss and opted to bowl, Afghanistan posted 129/6 in the 20‑over innings.

Opening batsman Mohammad Akram steadied the innings with 34 runs, punctuated by two sixes and two fours. Karim Janat added 21, while captain Darwish Rasuli contributed 29 runs. The innings was capped by wicket‑keeper Mohammad Ishaq’s rapid 25, which included a six and two fours, taking the total to a defendable figure.

Japan’s batting collapsed after an early wicket fell without any runs on the board. A partnership of 31 runs between Rio Sakurano‑Thomas and captain Flaming gave a brief respite, but the middle order could not build on it. By the 19.3 over, Japan was 81 for three and eventually fell short at 81 all out.

The decisive factor was the spell of Arab Gul Momand, who took four wickets for just eight runs in four overs, dismantling Japan’s batting line‑up. Nangeyalia Kharoti claimed three wickets for 19 runs, while Abdullah Ahmadzai and Najbullah Jadran each added a wicket. The next games see Japan meeting Nepal on September 26 and Afghanistan facing Nepal on September 25.