Men’s Asian Games Day 1: Afghanistan, Malaysia seal wins

Reigning Asian Games men's cricket silver medallists Afghanistan made a successful start to their Nagoya 2026 campaign, overcoming hosts Japan in group stage play.

In the afternoon of men's day one action, Malaysia sealed a comfortable victory over Hong Kong, China, as both sides marked themselves as strong contender to progress through to the next round.

One shot away from a shock win over India less than 48 hours ago, Japan had another chance of stealing the headlines, though fell short of Afghanistan's 129 with Arab Gul's 4/8 and Nangeyalia Kharote's 3/19  consigning Japan to 81 all out.

Reo Sakurano-Thomas (23) and Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (14) had ensured a decent start for the hosts, with Benjamin Ito-Davis' quickfire 17 (8) only stifled by Kharote's left-arm spin.

Japan were still ahead in the match at 53/3 in the eighth over after Ito-Davis' departure, though Afghanistan turned the screws, taking the last eight wickets for just 28 runs.

Earlier, Hassan Eisakhil, son of veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, was handed his debut cap for the team. 

Though Reo Sakurano-Thomas spoiled Hassan’s morning by dismissing him leg-before wicket for just three, Afghanistan pushed on through opener Mohammad Akram (34 off 29 balls), Karim Janat (21) and skipper Darwish Rasooli (29).

Shoma Sugaya-Slater and Ibrahim Takahashi claimed two wickets apiece, the latter going for just 19 off his four overs, though it was Mohammad Ishaq’s 25 not out from 17 balls that set Japan 130 to win in tricky batting conditions.

In the afternoon play, Malaysia got the better of Hong Kong, China, restricting them to 81/9 from their 20 overs.

Hong Kong, China slumped to 31/5 in the Powerplay, with spinner Pavandeep Singh taking three wickets in his second over.

Babar Hayat showed resistance with a 39-ball 29, but Muhammad Amir's three-wicket haul slowed down any progress.

In their response, Malaysia lost two wickets in the very second over of the chase.

Virandeep Singh and Muhamad Syahadat picked things up and anchored the chase with unbeaten scores of 32 and 36 as Malaysia sealed the deal in 12 overs with eight wickets to spare.

With the win, Malaysia have made themselves a strong contender to make it to the next stage at the Asian Games.

They take on Oman next on Saturday, 26th September.