KATHMANDU: Nepal made a winning start to the men’s cricket competition at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, defeating Afghanistan by five wickets on Friday.
Batting first after winning the toss at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi, Afghanistan scored 102 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal chased down the target of 103 runs in 17.2 overs, losing five wickets.
Sandeep Jora was Nepal’s top scorer with 34 runs off 35 balls, including three fours and a six. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel remained unbeaten on 33, while Dipendra Singh Airee scored 15 and Kushal Malla contributed nine runs.
For Afghanistan, Faridun Daudzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Arab Gul took one wicket each. Earlier, Faisal Khan Ahmadzai and Najibullah Zadran scored 30 runs each for Afghanistan, while Nangeyalia Kharote remained unbeaten on 17. Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed three.
Nepal are in Group A alongside Afghanistan and Japan. Nepal will face Japan in their next match on Saturday. Group B comprises Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman.
Comment