Nepal will begin their campaign in the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games when they face Afghanistan in Match 4 of the tournament 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.

The Asian Games men’s cricket competition is being played in the T20 format, with Nepal, Afghanistan and hosts Japan placed in Group A. Nepal will be hoping to make a strong start before facing Japan in their second group game on September 26. The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals.

Nepal have named a strong 15-member squad for the tournament, led by experienced all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. The squad also includes established campaigners such as Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel, Kushal Malla, Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Nepal for their clash against Afghanistan:

1. Aasif Sheikh (WK)

Aasif Sheikh is expected to open the innings and take responsibility behind the stumps. The right-handed batter has been a regular feature of Nepal’s T20 setup and provides an attacking option during the powerplay.

Against Afghanistan’s bowling attack, Aasif’s ability to score quickly while preserving his wicket could be crucial. His experience also makes him a natural choice to anchor the top order if Nepal lose an early wicket.

2. Kushal Bhurtel

Kushal Bhurtel is likely to partner Aasif at the top of the order. One of Nepal’s experienced T20 batters, Bhurtel can put pressure on opposition bowlers with aggressive strokeplay.

His battle against Afghanistan’s new-ball attack could have a significant impact on Nepal’s powerplay. If Bhurtel gets going early, Nepal can establish the platform required for their middle order to attack later.

3. Rohit Paudel

Rohit Paudel could come in at No. 3 and provide stability to the batting unit. The former Nepal captain is one of the most experienced batters in the squad and can adapt his game according to the match situation.

His role could become especially important if Afghanistan strike early, as Nepal would need someone capable of rebuilding the innings without allowing the run rate to fall away.

4. Dipendra Singh Airee (Captain)

Dipendra Singh Airee will lead Nepal and is expected to bat in the middle order. The experienced all-rounder gives the team considerable flexibility because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Airee’s leadership will be closely watched against Afghanistan, while his finishing ability could prove valuable during the latter stages of Nepal’s innings. He can also provide an additional bowling option if required.

5. Kushal Malla

Kushal Malla is another major power-hitting option in Nepal’s middle order. The left-hander returned to the squad after missing the 2026 T20 World Cup and adds significant six-hitting ability to the lineup.

Malla could be particularly dangerous against spin in the middle overs. His ability to change the momentum of an innings in a short period makes him an important component of Nepal’s predicted XI.

6. Aarif Sheikh

Aarif Sheikh could slot into the middle order and provide another technically sound batting option. His experience in international cricket gives Nepal additional depth and allows the team to build partnerships around its more aggressive players.

He could also be tasked with accelerating if Nepal have wickets in hand during the final overs.

7. Gulsan Jha

Gulsan Jha is expected to provide the balance between Nepal’s batting and bowling departments. The young all-rounder can contribute useful runs while also giving the captain another seam-bowling option.

His presence means Nepal can field a deeper batting order without compromising their bowling resources.

8. Karan KC

Karan KC should spearhead Nepal’s pace attack while also offering lower-order hitting. The experienced all-rounder is capable of bowling with the new ball and returning during the death overs.

His ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments could be important against Afghanistan’s aggressive batting lineup.

9. Sompal Kami

Sompal Kami is another experienced pace-bowling option who could feature in the XI. His variations and ability to contribute with the bat make him a useful T20 cricketer.

Nepal may rely on Kami to provide control during the middle overs and support Karan KC in the pace department.

10. Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane is expected to lead Nepal’s spin attack. The leg-spinner remains one of the country’s most recognised international cricketers and gives the bowling unit a genuine wicket-taking threat.

Against Afghanistan’s middle order, Lamichhane’s variations could be particularly important. His ability to break partnerships could determine whether Nepal can keep Afghanistan’s scoring rate under control.

11. Lalit Rajbanshi

Lalit Rajbanshi could complete Nepal’s bowling attack as their specialist left-arm spinner. His ability to bowl economically through the middle overs would complement Lamichhane’s attacking leg-spin.

The combination of two contrasting spinners could give Dipendra Singh Airee useful options depending on the match-ups and conditions.

Predicted Playing XI of Nepal vs Afghanistan

Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi

Note: This is a predicted XI based on Nepal’s announced Asian Games squad and the team’s recent combinations. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.