Rain knocked Japan out of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition on Saturday, September 26, after it washed out their reply against Nepal at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin. The fixture was the fifth match of Group A, and the abandonment sealed Japan’s exit from the tournament without them facing a single delivery in response.
Nepal, who had posted 149 for 4 in a rain-affected innings, were awarded the result and confirmed as Group A toppers. Afghanistan, who had beaten Japan by 48 runs in the group’s opening fixture on September 24, secured the second qualifying berth from Group A and will advance to the quarter-finals alongside Nepal.
Japan’s situation had already been precarious heading into the match. Their heavy defeat to Afghanistan meant they required a positive result against Nepal to stay alive in the competition. Rain removed that possibility entirely, bringing their Nisshin campaign to a premature close.
How did Nepal build their total of 149 for 4?
Nepal’s innings was disrupted by rain before and during the fifth over, yet they recovered to post a competitive score. Their top order offered little resistance, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha all departing for single-digit scores. Aasif Sheikh steadied things briefly, contributing 21 off 15 balls to provide early momentum.
The innings found its shape through a 55-run second-wicket partnership between Sundeep Jora and Sheikh. Jora remained at the crease throughout, finishing unbeaten on 57 off 32 balls with five fours and three sixes. Nepal had reached 84 for 4 by the time the tenth over was complete, with five overs still remaining and their most destructive batter yet to fully cut loose.
Lokesh Bam then took the innings apart in the closing stages, striking an unbeaten 52 off just 22 balls. His cameo featured one four and six sixes, and it was his assault that carried Nepal from a modest platform to a final total of 149 for 4. Japan were set a revised target of 149 in 15 overs, but rain returned before they could face a ball.
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What does Japan’s exit mean for the Group A standings?
Nepal’s win, confirmed by the weather, gave them the top spot in Group A. Afghanistan’s earlier victory over Japan had already placed them in a strong position, and the result in Nisshin confirmed their passage to the quarter-finals as the group’s second qualifier.
Japan’s campaign ends at the group stage. They had shown some promise against Afghanistan in their opening group game and had also faced India in a one-off T20I prior to the Asian Games, though those performances ultimately could not carry them past a group containing two well-established Asian sides.
With Nepal and Afghanistan both through, the quarter-final line-up from Group A is now complete. Japan will need to regroup and look ahead to future opportunities at major Asian cricket events.
