Nepal secured their place in the 2026 Asian Games quarter-finals as Group A winners after persistent rain forced a “No Result” against host Japan on Saturday. The abandonment at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin ensures Nepal finishes the preliminary stage with three points, having previously defeated Afghanistan.
The washout has finalized the first phase of the knockout bracket. Nepal progresses to a quarter-final meeting against Sri Lanka, while Afghanistan finishes as the second seed in Group A with two points. This result confirms that India will face Afghanistan in the next round on September 28 at 10:30 AM IST (05:00 AM GMT).
Before the heavy showers prevented Japan from starting their chase, Nepal’s middle order posted 149/4 in a match already shortened to 15 overs per side. Nepal recovered from the loss of Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, and Gulshan Jha through an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 65 runs.
Sundeep Jora led the scoring with 57 not out from 32 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. Lokesh Bam provided the late-innings acceleration, scoring 52 not out off 22 deliveries, a knock that featured six sixes. Analysis of the first innings shows Nepal added 65 runs in the final five overs, effectively setting a challenging required run rate of 10.00 for the hosts.
Japan’s decision to field first was likely influenced by the spin-friendly surface in Nisshin. While they managed to take four wickets, they could not contain the late-order hitting before the weather worsened during the innings break.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the result via an official statement: “Rain plays spoilsport as Match 5 is called off due to heavy showers. Nepal finish top of the group ~ while the hosts will look to regroup and come back stronger in future tournaments.”
Japan exits the competition with one point from the washout. The tournament now moves to the quarter-final stage beginning September 28, with Nepal and Afghanistan representing Group A in the final eight.
