Mohammad Akram Zazai
Hassan Eisakhil
Karim Janat
Darwish Rasooli
Najibullah Zadran
Mohammad Ishaq✱
Reo Sakurano-Thomas
Charlie Hinze
Shoma Slater
Declan Suzuki Mccomb
Ibrahim Takahashi
Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming
Benjamin Ito-Davis
Alexander Shirai-Patmore
Abdullah Ahmadzai
Faridoon Dawoodzai
Nangeyalia Kharote
Arab Gul Momand
Mohammad Akram Zazai's explosive 34-run cameo in the final overs turned a modest total into a commanding finish, as Afghanistan dispatched Japan by 48 runs at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on Thursday, 24 September. The early wickets fell for Japan, but a late surge from Zazai ensured the Afghan side never looked back.
Match Summary
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 129/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Zazai’s 34 off 29 balls, supported by Karim Janat’s steady 21 off 23. The middle order kept the run rate healthy, and the team reached a competitive total with six wickets in hand.
Japan’s reply never found rhythm. The Japanese openers gave a decent start, but the Afghan bowlers applied pressure from the outset. Reo Sakurano-Thomas, who also opened the batting for Afghanistan, delivered a tidy spell of 1/6 in two overs, while Shoma Slater claimed 2/18 in three overs. Japan were bowled out for 81 all out in 19.3 overs, handing Afghanistan a comfortable 48‑run victory.
Key Performances
Mohammad Akram Zazai (Afghanistan) – 34 runs off 29 balls, striking four boundaries and a six. His innings came at a crucial juncture, accelerating the chase and keeping the required run rate in check.
Karim Janat (Afghanistan) – 21 runs off 23 balls, providing a steady platform after early wickets.
Reo Sakurano-Thomas (Afghanistan) – 1/6 in 2 overs, an economical spell that restricted Japan’s scoring in the powerplay.
Shoma Slater (Afghanistan) – 2/18 in 3 overs, picking up key wickets that stalled Japan’s momentum.
Reo Sakurano-Thomas (Japan) – 23 runs off 24 balls, the top‑score for Japan, but insufficient to chase the target.
Abdullah Ahmadzai (Japan) – 2/13 in 3 overs, the most effective bowler for Japan, though the support was lacking.
Turning Points
The match swung decisively when Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early in Japan’s innings. After a cautious start, Reo Sakurano-Thomas’s disciplined spell yielded the first wicket in the second over, setting the tone. Shoma Slater’s next breakthrough – a wicket of Japan’s aggressive middle‑order batsman – further dented the chase.
Another pivotal moment arrived in the 15th over of Japan’s innings when they required 30 runs from 30 balls with five wickets in hand. A tight delivery from Sakurano-Thomas forced a dot ball, and a subsequent wicket by Slater left Japan 20 runs short with only two balls remaining, sealing the defeat.
Series Implications
Afghanistan’s win propels them to the top of Group A in the Asian Games Men's T20 2026 and gives them a vital confidence boost ahead of the knockout stages. The comprehensive performance highlights the depth in Afghanistan’s batting and the potency of their bowling attack.
For Japan, the loss underscores the need to develop more finishing options and tighter bowling under pressure. Their next group match will be crucial to stay alive in the tournament, and they will look to learn from the disciplined Afghan spellers.
Overall, the match delivered an engaging contest for fans of emerging cricket nations, with Afghanistan’s blend of experience and youthful aggression proving the decisive factor.