The Asian Games 2026 cricket men’s event begins with Japan vs Afghanistan, the 1st match of Group A. The hosts take on one of Asia’s strongest T20 sides at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Here is everything you need to know before the first ball.
JPN vs AFG Match Details
- Match: Japan vs Afghanistan, 1st Match, Group A (Cricbuzz match page)
- Tournament: Asian Games 2026 (men’s cricket)
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM JST | 12:00 AM GMT | 5:30 AM IST
- Venue: Korogi Sports Park (also called Korogi Athletic Park), Nisshin, Aichi, Japan. See the venue details on Cricbuzz or the ground’s Wikipedia page.
Asian Games 2026 Cricket Format
Ten teams are playing in the men’s event, and all matches are in the Twenty20 format. Group A has Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal, while Group B has Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka go straight to the knockouts. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals. For the full bracket, read the tournament overview on Wikipedia.
With only three teams per group, every match counts. A slip in the opener can hurt a lot.
Why This Match Matters
Finishing in the top two of Group A means a quarter-final against a seeded side. India’s quarter-final on September 28 is against the Group A runners-up, so the runners-up spot carries a big prize. See how the draw played out in Outlook India’s report on India and Pakistan’s direct quarter-final entry. The Japan vs Afghanistan result could also decide who plays India in the quarter-final.
Japan Squad for Asian Games 2026
Japan are led by Kendel Fleming. The squad includes Benjamin Ito Davis, Reo Sakurano Thomas, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Wataru Miyauchi, Kohei Kubota, Alester Fleming, Ibrahim Takahashi, Tsuyoshi Takada, Declan Suzuki, Shoma Slater, Makoto Taniyama, Shirai Patmore, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake and Jake Kusuda-Nairn.
Playing at home, in front of home fans and on familiar pitches, gives Japan a real edge.
Afghanistan Squad for Asian Games 2026
Afghanistan are captained by Darwish Rasooli. Their squad has experienced names like Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat and Imran Mir. It also includes Ismat Alam, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Farmanullah Safi, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Hassan Eisakhil, Faisal Shinozada, Mohammad Akram and Khalid Taniwal.
Afghanistan are on paper the stronger T20 side and have far more international experience. They won the men’s silver medal at each of the three Asian Games editions with cricket so far: 2010, 2014 and 2022. Japan will need a disciplined performance to cause an upset. For the tournament’s medal history, see Wisden’s Asian Games cricket explainer.
Key Battles to Watch
- Afghanistan’s spinners vs Japan’s batting: Spin is Afghanistan’s traditional strength.
- Japan’s new-ball bowlers vs Afghanistan’s top order: An early breakthrough could change the game.
- Middle-overs control: In T20 cricket, the team that wins overs 7 to 15 usually wins the match.
JPN vs AFG Live Streaming and TV Channel in India
- Live streaming: SonyLIV
- TV broadcast: Sony Sports Network
The match starts at 5:30 AM IST, so set an alarm if you want to watch Japan vs Afghanistan live from the start. For more previews and cricket updates, check the TodayMatches blog.
JPN vs AFG Asian Games 2026: FAQs
5:30 AM IST on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
On SonyLIV (streaming) and Sony Sports Network (TV).
Darwish Rasooli.
Kendel Fleming.
T20.
Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal.
Final Thoughts: JPN vs AFG Asian Games 2026
Japan vs Afghanistan is more than just a tournament opener. It sets the tone for Group A and could shape the road to the quarter-finals. Afghanistan bring T20 experience and match-winners, so they start as favourites. Japan have home advantage, loud local support and nothing to lose. In T20 cricket, one good spell or one big partnership can flip a match.
With only three teams in the group, a win in the opener can almost secure a top-two finish, and the runners-up spot means a quarter-final against India. That is why this match matters far beyond the two points.
So set your alarm for 5:30 AM IST on September 24 and catch Japan vs Afghanistan live on SonyLIV or Sony Sports Network. For more today match prediction and cricket insights, keep following TodayMatches for every update from Asian Games 2026 cricket.
