Asian Games Cricket: Afghanistan Beat Japan, Malaysia Cruise Past Hong Kong

Afghanistan and Malaysia made winning starts to the men's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, with both teams producing convincing victories on the opening day in Nagoya.

Reigning silver medallists Afghanistan overcame hosts Japan by 48 runs, while Malaysia chased down Hong Kong, China's 82-run target with eight wickets in hand and eight overs to spare.

For Afghanistan, the result was shaped by a devastating bowling display after Japan had threatened to make a contest of the chase. Malaysia, meanwhile, recovered from an early wobble to cruise to victory.

Afghanistan turn the game around against Japan

Afghanistan appeared to be in control after posting 129 in challenging batting conditions, but Japan made a strong start to their chase.

The hosts reached 53/3 in the eighth over and were still in the contest after Reo Sakurano-Thomas scored 23 and Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming contributed 14. Benjamin Ito-Davis then struck a rapid 17 from just eight balls.

Afghanistan, however, responded emphatically.

Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote dismissed Ito-Davis and helped trigger a dramatic collapse, while Arab Gul tore through the lower order with 4/8. Afghanistan claimed Japan's final eight wickets for just 28 runs as the hosts were bowled out for 81.

Kharote finished with 3/19 as Afghanistan completed a 48-run victory.

Mohammad Nabi's son makes Afghanistan debut

The match also marked a significant moment for Afghanistan cricket as Hassan Eisakhil, son of veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, received his international debut cap.

His first outing was brief, however, with Japan's Reo Sakurano-Thomas dismissing the youngster leg-before wicket for three.

Afghanistan recovered through Mohammad Akram's 34 off 29 balls, Karim Janat's 21 and captain Darwish Rasooli's 29.

Mohammad Ishaq then provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 25 from 17 deliveries, taking Afghanistan to 129 and setting Japan a target that ultimately proved beyond the hosts.

Japan's Shoma Sugaya-Slater and Ibrahim Takahashi claimed two wickets apiece, with Takahashi particularly economical at 19 runs from his four overs.

Malaysia's bowlers put Hong Kong under pressure

Malaysia produced an equally convincing performance against Hong Kong, China, restricting them to 81/9 from their 20 overs.

Hong Kong were in serious trouble during the Powerplay after slipping to 31/5, with spinner Pavandeep Singh doing much of the damage by taking three wickets in his second over.

Babar Hayat attempted to rebuild the innings, scoring 29 from 39 balls, but Malaysia continued to apply pressure.

Muhammad Amir then claimed three wickets to prevent Hong Kong from building a competitive total.

Virandeep, Syahadat finish the chase

Malaysia briefly endured some early pressure in the run chase, losing two wickets in the second over.

That proved to be only a minor setback.

Virandeep Singh and Muhamad Syahadat steadied the innings and took control of the chase. Virandeep remained unbeaten on 32, while Syahadat finished on 36 not out.

The pair guided Malaysia to 82/2 in just 12 overs, completing an eight-wicket victory with 48 balls to spare.

The result puts Malaysia in a strong position heading into their next group match against Oman on Saturday, September 26.

With both Afghanistan and Malaysia starting the Asian Games with convincing victories, the opening day has already provided an early indication of the teams capable of making a push for the knockout stages.