Afghanistan will face Nepal in Match 4 of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Friday, September 25. The Group A encounter will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, with the match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM IST. Both teams are grouped alongside hosts Japan, with the top two sides advancing to the quarter-finals.

Afghanistan will enter the contest after their opening fixture against Japan on September 24. The Afghan side has been built around a mix of experienced international campaigners and promising players who impressed in the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League. Darwish Rasooli is leading the team, while Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran provide considerable international experience.

The first match against Japan could also give the team management a clearer idea of the best combination for the Nepal clash. Afghanistan’s confirmed XI against Japan featured Mohammad Akram, Najibullah Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Hassan Eisakhil, Mohammad Ishaq, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Nangeyalia Kharote and Arab Gul.

Here is the predicted playing XI for Afghanistan against Nepal:

1. Mohammad Akram

Mohammad Akram is expected to continue at the top of the order after making a useful contribution in the tournament opener. The right-hander was one of Afghanistan’s standout performers in the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including a century and two fifties.

His ability to attack in the powerplay makes him an important component of Afghanistan’s batting unit.

2. Hassan Eisakhil

Hassan Eisakhil could continue as Akram’s opening partner. The young batter is one of the promising names in Afghanistan’s squad and has been given an opportunity to gain international experience during the Asian Games.

Against Nepal’s experienced bowling attack, Eisakhil’s ability to negotiate the new ball could be crucial.

3. Darwish Rasooli (Captain)

Darwish Rasooli will lead Afghanistan from the number three position. The captain has already demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings while also accelerating when required.

Rasooli’s leadership will be particularly important in a high-stakes Group A encounter, with both Afghanistan and Nepal looking to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.

4. Najibullah Zadran

Najibullah Zadran brings a wealth of international experience to an otherwise youthful Afghanistan squad. The left-hander is capable of changing the complexion of a T20 innings quickly and remains one of the team’s key middle-order hitters.

He will be expected to provide stability if Afghanistan lose early wickets while also offering a late-innings acceleration option.

5. Mohammad Ishaq (WK)

Mohammad Ishaq is likely to retain the wicketkeeping duties. He can also contribute valuable runs in the middle order and provides Afghanistan with another attacking option.

His role behind the stumps will be equally important, particularly against Nepal’s aggressive batting lineup.

6. Ismat Alam

Ismat Alam is one of the most exciting all-rounders in Afghanistan’s Asian Games squad. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League after scoring 294 runs at a strike rate of 168 and taking nine wickets.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Rasooli valuable tactical flexibility.

7. Karim Janat

Karim Janat is expected to occupy the all-rounder’s slot in the XI. With 80 international appearances before the Asian Games, he is one of the most experienced players in the squad.

Janat’s seam bowling and powerful lower-order hitting could prove useful against Nepal, particularly during the middle and death overs.

8. Abdollah Ahmadzai

Abdollah Ahmadzai could spearhead the pace attack. He featured in Afghanistan’s opening XI against Japan and offers the captain an attacking seam option.

His ability to strike with the new ball could be important against Nepal’s experienced opening pair.

9. Faridoon Dawoodzai

Faridoon Dawoodzai is another likely pace option. The seamer has been selected after making an impact in domestic T20 cricket and provides Afghanistan with additional wicket-taking ability.

His role could become particularly important during the middle overs if Nepal establish a strong platform.

10. Nangeyalia Kharote

Nangeyalia Kharote should lead Afghanistan’s spin attack. The left-arm spinner is one of the more experienced young players in the squad and was specifically identified by the ICC as a key member of Afghanistan’s bowling unit.

His ability to control the middle overs could be vital against Nepal’s right-handed-heavy batting combination.

11. Arab Gul Momand

Arab Gul Momand is likely to complete the bowling attack. The leg-spinner gives Afghanistan another variation alongside Kharote and could be used to attack Nepal’s middle order.

His ability to pick up wickets while maintaining pressure will give Rasooli another useful option.

Predicted Playing XI of Afghanistan vs Nepal

Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Darwish Rasooli (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Arab Gul Momand

Note: This is a predicted XI based on Afghanistan’s announced Asian Games squad and their available team combination. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.