Nisshin, September 26: Japan’s Asian Games campaign came to an end after rain prevented them from beginning their chase against Nepal in the men’s cricket competition on Saturday.
Nepal posted 149 for four in 15 overs, but persistent rain washed out Japan’s entire innings, leaving them without an opportunity to chase what was a demanding target of 150.
The abandoned match saw Nepal finish top of Group A, while Afghanistan secured the second quarter-final spot. Japan were eliminated from the competition despite showing encouraging signs during the tournament.
Nepal Batters Produce Strong Finish
Japan opted to field after winning the toss, but the Nepal innings was interrupted by rain before and during play.
Despite the disruptions, Nepal managed to put together a formidable total, with Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam both finishing unbeaten with half-centuries.
Jora scored 57 not out from 32 balls, striking five fours and three sixes, while Bam provided a powerful finish with an unbeaten 52 from just 22 deliveries, including six sixes and a four.
Nepal were in a relatively uncertain position at 84 for four after 10 overs, but the partnership between Jora and Bam changed the momentum dramatically during the final five overs.
Earlier, Jora had shared a 55-run partnership with Aasif Sheikh for the second wicket. Sheikh made a brisk 21 from 15 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha all fell for single-digit scores.
Japan’s Sakurano-Thomas was the standout bowler, returning figures of 1 for 7.
Rain Ends Japan’s Hopes
Japan needed to score 150 in only 15 overs, making it a particularly steep chase. However, the Japanese batters never got the chance to attempt it.
Further rain prevented play from restarting, eventually forcing the match officials to abandon the contest.
The result was particularly frustrating for Japan, who had produced some impressive bowling displays during their Asian Games campaign.
They had competed strongly with the ball against Afghanistan in their opening match and had also shown promise against India in the one-off T20I played before the Asian Games.
However, inconsistent batting performances proved costly, and the abandoned match against Nepal confirmed their elimination.
Nepal Advance to Quarter-Finals
The result ensured that Nepal topped Group A, with Afghanistan joining them in the quarter-finals.
Japan leave the Asian Games with valuable experience against stronger cricketing nations and several encouraging performances to build on.
For Nepal, meanwhile, the unbeaten performances from Jora and Bam provided the platform for a convincing group-stage finish as they now turn their attention to the knockout phase.
