Nepal Qualifies For Asian Games 2026 Cricket QF; Sets Up Clash With Sri Lanka After Japan Clash Ends in No-Result
Nepal's men's cricket team has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2026 after their match against Japan on September 26, 2026, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin was abandoned due to rain. Topping Group A, Nepal scored 149/4 in 15 overs with half-centuries from Sandeep Jora (57*) and Lokesh Bam (52).
The Nepali men's cricket team has confirmed its spot in the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2026, despite their final Group A match against Japan being abandoned due to persistent rain today. Nepal, having secured top position in Group A, will now prepare for a challenging encounter against cricket powerhouse Sri Lanka in the knockout stage. Nepal Stuns Afghanistan at Asian Games 2026 Cricket; Rohit Paudel, Sundeep Jora and Bowlers Shine For The Rhinos.
Played at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, the 5th Match of Group A saw Nepal batting first in a rain-shortened affair. After a delayed start due to wet conditions, the match was reduced to 15 overs a side. Nepal capitalized on the limited overs, posting a formidable total of 149 for four. The innings was bolstered by aggressive half-centuries from Sandeep Jora, who remained unbeaten on 57 runs off 32 deliveries, and Lokesh Bam, who smashed 52 runs off just 22 deliveries. However, no further play was possible due to rain, and the match was officially abandoned.
Nepal's Qualification Journey
Nepal's qualification for the quarter-finals was primarily secured through their earlier performance. This includes an impressive five-wicket win over Afghanistan on September 25, where they successfully chased down Afghanistan's total of 102 for 7 with 16 balls to spare. Having topped Group A, Nepal has demonstrated strong form throughout the preliminary stages of the tournament, ensuring their progression alongside Afghanistan, who finished second in Group A. Fan Spots Bizarre Coincidence As Oman Fields 7 Players With Same Surname During Asian Games 2026 Cricket Match.
Road to the Knockout Stage
Nepal, as the top team from Group A (A1), will now face the directly seeded Sri Lankan team in Quarter-final 4. India, another directly seeded team, will face Afghanistan (A2) in Quarter-final 2. These crucial quarter-final matches are scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2026, with the semi-finals set for October 1, 2026, and the medal matches on October 3, all to be played at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Attend India's Optional Indoor Training Session Ahead of Asian Games 2026.
Tournament Schedule
The men's cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 commenced on September 24 and will conclude with the medal matches on October 3. All matches are played in the T20 format.
Upcoming Fixture:
| Match | Date | Time (Japan Standard Time) | Time (India Standard Time) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-Final: Sri Lanka vs Nepal | September 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM | 5:30 AM | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin |
Nepal's progression to the quarter-finals highlights their growing stature in international cricket, and their upcoming clash with Sri Lanka promises to be a gripping contest as they continue their pursuit of a historic medal at the Asian Games 2026.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2026 08:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
