Gul, Kharote spin Afghanistan to victory over Japan in Asian Games opener

In a thrilling T20 match, Afghanistan claimed a commanding victory over Japan to claim early points in their Asian Games campaign. Right-arm wristspinner Arabic Gul struck at seven figures, taking four wickets at eight runs, while left-arm spinner Nageyalea Kharote added three wickets for nineteen runs. Their efforts saw Afghanistan post a solid 129 for six, including a crucial performance from Arab Gul who dominated the pitch, and they dispatched Japan for just 81.

The Afghani bowlers turned the tide in the twelfth and fourteenth overs, reducing Japan from 60 for four to 63 for eight, and Abbasaladolh Ahmadzai completed the job by taking two wickets before closingout.

Australia‑born winger Mohammad Akram toppled Japanese orders with thirty-four runs, while team captain Darwish Rasooli added twenty‑nine and Karim Janat contributed twenty-one off their innings.

The decisive swing came when Mohammad Ishaq stumped the Japanese batting lineup atop seventeen balls, providing the spark that swung momentum in Afghanistan’s favour as Japan collapsed to bowl out for eighty‑one in nineteen.3 overs. Both squads now face matches versus Nepal in Group A, with the first two finishers moving on to the quarter‑finals.