Japan vs Afghanistan: Asian Games 2026 Match Preview
Asian Games in Japan Men's Cricket | 1st Match | Thursday, 24 September 2026
Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin | Time: 01:00 GMT
Match Overview
The cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games gets underway on Thursday, 24 September, with hosts Japan taking on Afghanistan in the opening clash at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. This historic encounter marks only the fourth time cricket has featured in the Asian Games, with all matches being played at a single venue.
Afghanistan arrive as clear favourites against a Japanese side that has already produced one of the most remarkable performances of the young season, pushing world champions India to the very last delivery.
Tournament Context
Six nations will compete in the first round, split into two groups of three:
- Group A: Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal
- Group B: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman
Each team plays the others in their group once, with the top two from each group advancing to the Quarter Finals. Teams already qualified for the quarters — India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — will face the qualifiers in a knockout format. The Semi Finals take place on 1 October, with the Gold Medal Match on 3 October.
Form Guide
Japan
Japan enter this opener with renewed confidence after a heartbreaking five-over shootout defeat to India. Reduced to five overs because of a wet outfield, the hosts restricted India to 32/4 before finishing agonisingly short on 30/3.
- vs India (22 Sep 2026): Lost by 2 runs — 30/3 (5) vs 32/4 (5)
- vs Papua New Guinea (18 May 2026): Won by 26 runs — 121/7 (20)
- vs Samoa (16 May 2026): Won by 9 wickets — 82/1 (11.1)
- vs Cook Islands (14 May 2026): Lost by 3 wickets — 90/10 (18.5)
Japan's bowling has become their greatest strength. Charlie HaraHinze has taken 14 wickets in his last eight matches, while Ibrahim Takahashi has claimed 12 in nine appearances. However, batting remains a concern, with the hosts managing only 95/7 against Hong Kong recently.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan begin their campaign with a youthful squad, distinct from the senior side that recently suffered a 3-0 T20I series defeat to India. Darwish Rasooli takes charge, supported by experienced internationals Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran.
- vs India (17 Sep 2026): Lost by 127 runs — 94/10 (14.1)
- vs India (15 Sep 2026): Lost by 7 wickets — 159/8 (20)
- vs India (13 Sep 2026): Lost by 7 wickets — 156/8 (20)
- vs Ireland (15 Aug 2026): Won by 6 wickets — 298/7 (50)
- vs Ireland (14 Aug 2026): Won by 6 wickets — 298/7 (50)
While the recent India series was disappointing, Afghanistan's blend of emerging talent and established experience gives them considerable potential, even in unfamiliar conditions.
Key Players to Watch
Japan
| Player | Recent Form |
|---|---|
| Kendel Kadowaki Fleming (C) | 37* & 45 in his last 4 knocks |
| Lachlan Yamamoto Lake | Scores of 38, 26 & 33 in his last 10 innings |
| Charlie HaraHinze | 11 wickets in 5 innings; 14 in his last eight matches |
Afghanistan
| Player | Recent Form |
|---|---|
| Karim Janat | 64, 85, 31, 32 & 27 in his last 9 innings |
| Ismat Alam Gurbaz | Scores of 20*, 46*, 67 & 23 in his last 5 innings |
| Abdollah Ahmadzai | 3/38 & 1/38 in his last 2 innings |
Afghanistan's batting resources look formidable, with Rasooli having scored 256 runs in his last 10 matches. Mohammad Akram (339 runs in eight domestic innings) and all-rounder Ismat Alam (294 runs and nine wickets) also earned selection through impressive domestic performances in the Shpageeza Cricket League. Faridoon Dawoodzai brings considerable wicket-taking ability with 50 scalps across 41 T20 matches.
Venue & Conditions
The Korogi Sports Park track in Nisshin is expected to offer a low first-innings average of 136 runs, suggesting conditions that could favour bowlers early on. Teams will need to negotiate the opening overs carefully before scores build.
Team News
Japan possible XI: Kendel Kadowaki Fleming (c), Lachlan Yamamoto Lake, Ibrahim Takahashi, Benjamin Ito Davis, Shirai Patmore, Reo Sakurano Thomas, Charlie HaraHinze, Wataru Miyauchi, Declan Suzuki, Makoto Taniyama, Shoma Sugaya Slater.
Afghanistan possible XI: Darwish Rasooli (c), Hassan Eisakhil, Imran Mir, Mohammad Ishaq, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Farmanullah, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Arab Gul, Faisal Khan, Faridoon Dawoodzi.
No confirmed injury absences have been identified in the latest squad announcements. Final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Head to Head
Afghanistan and Japan have never met in a T20I, making this a genuinely uncapped encounter on paper.
Verdict
Afghanistan are the overwhelming favourites to defeat hosts Japan in the tournament opener, given their superior cricketing depth and the combination of experienced internationals and talented youngsters. Their batting should prove decisive if they can negotiate the challenging early overs on a low-scoring track.
However, Japan's remarkable performance against India and their potent spin-bowling attack suggest this could be far more competitive than the odds imply. Abdollah Ahmadzai looks too hot to handle for Japan's top order, while Charlie HaraHinze is well-placed to feature among the wickets for the hosts.
At the crease, Kendel Kadowaki Fleming and Karim Janat are both strong candidates to lead their respective run totals.
Note: Predictions may change nearer the start of the match once final starting XIs are announced. Always gamble responsibly — when the fun stops, STOP.
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