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

Afghanistan began their Asian Games men's cricket campaign with a convincing 48-run victory over Japan in Nisshin, with debutant Arab Gul and Nangeyalia Kharote combining to dismantle the hosts' chase. Afghanistan defended a modest total of 129 for 6 as Japan were bowled out for 81 in 19.3 overs. Gul claimed an impressive 4 for 8 on his T20I debut, while left-arm spinner Kharote finished with 3 for 19. The victory gives Afghanistan two points in Group A and puts them in a strong position ahead of their remaining group match against Nepal. Japan Make Steady Start Before Collapse Chasing 130, Japan began positively and reached 53 for 2 in the eighth over. The hosts, who had narrowly missed out on a victory against India in a rain-affected match in Sano two days earlier, appeared capable of mounting another competitive chase. However, Afghanistan's spinners quickly changed the game. Gul was particularly destructive, taking two wickets in the 12th over and another two in the 14th. Japan slipped from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8 in a dramatic collapse. Ahmadzai and Kharote then completed the job, removing the remaining batters as Japan were dismissed for 81. Sakurano-Thomas top-scored for Japan with 23, but the hosts struggled to deal with Afghanistan's spin attack once the middle-order collapse began. Akram Leads Afghanistan's Batting Afghanistan were asked to bat first and managed 129 for 6 from their innings. Mohammad Akram top-scored with 34, while captain Darwish Rasooli contributed 29 and Karim Janat made 21. Japan's bowlers kept the scoring under control for much of the innings, restricting Afghanistan to less than six runs an over during the first 15 overs. Shoma Sugaya-Slater and offspinner Ibrahim Takahashi were Japan's most successful bowlers, taking two wickets each. Afghanistan needed a late boost, and Mohammad Ishaq provided it from No. 6. His unbeaten 25 from just 17 deliveries helped Afghanistan add valuable runs at the back end and push the total to 129. Gul Makes Immediate Impact on T20I Debut The standout performer was right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul, who made an instant impact in his first T20I appearance. His figures of 4 for 8 proved decisive as Afghanistan defended a target that initially appeared manageable for Japan. Gul's spell triggered the collapse that transformed the contest in Afghanistan's favour. Kharote also played a major role with his 3 for 19, while Abdollah Ahmadzai claimed two wickets to finish off the Japanese innings. Nepal Match Next for Both Teams Afghanistan's victory earns them two points in Group A, while both Afghanistan and Japan have another group fixture against Nepal. The top two teams from Group A will progress to the quarter-finals, making the remaining matches important for the teams competing for a place in the knockout stage. For Japan, the defeat will be disappointing after their encouraging performance against India earlier in the tournament. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will take confidence from a strong bowling display and a successful defence of a relatively modest total.