Rain Abandons Japan-Nepal Match, Nepal Through to Asian Games Quarter-Finals

Nepal secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Games after finishing ahead of Japan in a rain-affected match. In the final match of Group A at Nishin, Japan needed to chase a challenging target of 150 runs from 15 overs to win. However, rain prevented a single ball from being bowled in Japan’s innings.

As the match was abandoned, Nepal advanced to the next round as the Group A winners, while Japan were eliminated from the tournament. Afghanistan also progressed to the quarter-finals as the second team from the group alongside Nepal.

Earlier, Japan won the toss and invited Nepal to bat first. Rain had been a constant threat from the beginning of the match. After the innings was reduced to 15 overs, Nepal posted a formidable total of 149 for 4 within the allotted time. Sandeep Jora and Lokesh Bam both scored unbeaten half-centuries in an unbroken partnership.

The start was not particularly smooth for Nepal. Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulshan Jha were dismissed before reaching double figures. Opening batter Aasif Sheikh held one end together, scoring 21 runs off 15 balls. However, Nepal’s real onslaught began with the fifth-wicket partnership. Batting at No. 3, Sandeep Jora remained unbeaten on 57 off 32 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes.

At the other end, Lokesh Bam produced a blistering late cameo, scoring 52 runs from just 22 balls, including one four and six massive sixes. Nepal, who were 84 for 4 after 10 overs, added 65 runs in the final five overs thanks to the pair’s explosive batting.

In reply, Japan never got the opportunity to chase the daunting target of 150. The rain washed out the remainder of the match, bringing the contest to an early end. Despite showing flashes of promise at various stages of the tournament, Japan ultimately had to bow out in disappointment.