Afghanistan A opened their campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Japan with a 48-run victory over the host nation.
Japan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Afghanistan A reached 129 for six, with Mohammad Akram top-scoring with 34 runs. Captain Darwish Rasooli added 29, Mohammad Ishaq finished unbeaten on 25 and Karim Janat made 21.
Afghanistan’s bowlers then dismissed Japan for 81. Arab Gul Momand led the attack with four wickets, Nangyalai Khan took three and Abdullah Ahmadzai claimed two as the Afghan side successfully defended the target.
The result gave Afghanistan A a winning start to the tournament. The team’s next scheduled match is against Nepal, continuing Afghanistan’s participation in the cricket competition at the Asian Games in Japan.