Japan vs Afghanistan Live Streaming and Free Telecast of Men's Asian Games 2026 Cricket in India
Catch all the action as Japan takes on Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 Men's T20 Cricket opener! Discover live streaming and telecast options for this Group A clash, including Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV in India. Find match timing, venue details at Korogi Sports Park, and recent team forms for this highly anticipated encounter in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 is officially underway in Japan, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the start of the Men's T20 competition. The highly anticipated tournament kicks off with a Group A clash between hosts Japan and Afghanistan. This match marks a crucial start for both teams as they aim to progress in the prestigious continental event, which is being held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. Cricket at Asian Games 2026: Venue, Teams and All You Need to Know.
The men's cricket event, played in the Twenty20 format, runs from September 24 to October 3, 2026, at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture.
Match Details: Japan vs Afghanistan
Japan and Afghanistan are part of Group A, alongside Nepal. The top two teams from this group will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will join higher-seeded teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, who received automatic byes.
| Match | Stage | Date | Start Time (JST) | Start Time (IST) | Start Time (UTC) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan vs Afghanistan | Preliminary Round - Group A | September 24, 2026 | 09:00 AM | 05:30 AM | 00:00 AM | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin |
Where to Watch Japan vs Afghanistan Live Streaming and Telecast
In India and the subcontinent, the exclusive broadcast rights for the Asian Games 2026 have been acquired by Sony Pictures Networks India.
- TV Channels: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches live. Viewers can watch on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5, with regional language coverage available on Sony Sports 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports 4 (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada).
- Live Streaming: For online viewers, live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
Team Form and Key Players
Afghanistan: Ranked 10th in ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, Afghanistan reached the finals of the last Asian Games Men's cricket tournament, eventually taking silver due to a washed-out final. However, their recent T20I form has been mixed, including a 3-0 series loss against India. Key players to watch include top-order batter Darwish Rasooli and left-arm fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai. Asian Games 2026 Cricket Venue: What We Know About Korogi Sports Park.
Japan: Currently ranked 41st in ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, Japan had a disappointing run in the previous Asian Games, failing to qualify for the knockout stages. Despite a recent loss to India in the Suzuki Cup, Japan has shown good form in other T20I fixtures, winning three of their last five completed matches. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, a prolific run-scorer, and the 17-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze are crucial for Japan's campaign.
There is no significant head-to-head record available for Japan vs Afghanistan in T20I cricket. This opening encounter promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams look to start their Asian Games journey on a winning note. The match is expected to set the tone for the exciting cricket action to follow at the Asian Games 2026.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 04:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
