Nepal initiated their 2026 Asian Games cricket campaign with an authoritative performance, defeating Afghanistan by five wickets during their Group A encounter held in Nisshin. The Nepalese bowling unit dictated terms from the start, restricting their opponents to a modest 102/7 across their full quota of 20 overs. Central to this defensive effort were Kushal Bhurtel and Lalit Rajbanshi, who combined to dismantle the Afghan batting order by securing seven wickets between them.
Domination by Spinners
Bhurtel led the charge with a standout bowling display, claiming 4-21 in four overs, an effort that featured a maiden over. His contributions were perfectly complemented by Rajbanshi, who tore through the top order early, finishing his spell with 3-13. Rajbanshi’s tactical accuracy saw the first three Afghan wickets fall within five overs, placing the team under immediate pressure at 16/3. Although Faisal Shinozada and Najibullah Zadran attempted to stabilize the innings with a 39-run partnership—each scoring 30 runs—the middle order failed to sustain momentum against the relentless pressure. Shinozada’s dismissal precipitated a quick collapse of three wickets for 10 runs, effectively nullifying any hope of a late-game surge. A subsequent 30-run stand between Zadran and Nangeyalia Kharoti for the seventh wicket was the only factor preventing a total lower than three figures. The duo made 30 each and both fell to Bhurtel at either end of his spell.
Calculated Chase
Responding to the target of 103, Nepal faced immediate difficulties as Afghanistan’s bowlers applied significant early pressure. The batting side found themselves struggling at 31/3 by the middle of the seventh over. However, the momentum shifted when Sundeep Jora played a pivotal 34-run innings to anchor the recovery, supported by Rohit Paudel, who remained unbeaten on 33 from 32 balls. Following Jora’s departure at the halfway stage, when the team required 47 runs from 60 deliveries, Paudel partnered with captain Dipendra Singh Airee. This pair added a crucial 46 runs off 43 balls, guiding Nepal to victory with 16 balls to spare.
- Final outcome: Afghanistan 102/7 (20 overs) lost to Nepal 103/5 (17.2 overs).
- Key Afghan scorers: Faisal Shinozada (30) and Najibullah Zadran (30).
- Leading wicket-takers for Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel (4-21) and Lalit Rajbanshi (3-13).
- Key Nepalese scorers: Sundeep Jora (34) and Rohit Paudel (34 not out).
- Opposition bowlers: Faridoon Dawoodzai (1-10) and Arab Gul Momand (1-13).
