Japan VS Nepal Match ball by ball Commentary

Not how anyone wanted it to end - There was rain to kick things off, and we had a delayed start by an hour. The players and the umpires pushed on and managed to complete the first innings amidst some late rain, in which Nepal showed their might with the bat after a decent start with the ball from Japan. It was a must-win game for Japan, but they will not get the opportunity to try and chase. This means Nepal top this group with 3 points to their name and keep their hopes of a medal alive. That is it then from this game, but there's one more game to follow. Malaysia lock horns with Oman, scheduled to begin at 5 am GMT. There's plenty of rain around, but there's plenty of time before that game, so let's hope that the weather clears up and we get a completed contest. Malaysia do have a win under their belt, but Oman need to win if they are to have a shot at making it through to the next round. For now, it's goodbye from us. Take care.

2.40 am GMT - We have dreaded news from the Korogi Athletic Park. The game has been ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN. A very tough blow to hosts Japan, who do get a point, but crash out of the competition as Afghanistan and Nepal move on to the quarterfinals from this group.

2.26 am GMT - It doesn't look good at all, as it is absolutely bucketing down now in Nisshin. So fair to say, the run chase will be delayed and we might also lose a few more overs with DLS coming into play as well. With the way it is raining right now, this could be a long delay.

Massive task ahead for Japan - The dampness has made conditions greasy, creating challenges for both bowling and fielding. Japan, however, remained sharp in the field for most of the innings, but a couple of costly drops cost them heavily as 59 runs came in the last 4 overs. With Nepal boasting more quality and experience in their bowling attack, they will be eager to strike early and shut the door on any hopes of a Japanese comeback. Stay tuned for the run chase and let's pray that rain stops soon.

A sparkling late surge - The early rain did little to soften the pitch's challenge. The seamers found good bounce and carry, while the spinners extracted enough turn to keep the batters wary. Japan struck first, but Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora responded with a bold 55-run stand that briefly put Nepal back on track. Japan then clawed their way back with three quick wickets, dragging Nepal from 62/1 to 84/4 and leaving Jora stranded at one end. Just when Nepal seemed to be losing momentum, Lokesh Bam arrived in blazing form. His sparkling 22-ball fifty lifted Nepal to 149, putting them firmly in the ascendancy.

Quarter-final spot confirmed? To be fair, Nepal's strong finish has put them in an excellent position. They now look set to top Group A and secure their place in the quarter-finals. This is also the highest score in the 2026 Asian Games by any team in the men's competition. Japan, on the other hand, did start decently with the ball, but they leaked plenty of runs in the backend. And unfortunately, the rain is getting heavier by the minute and as the players rush off the field, the groundsmen haul in the covers to protect the pitch and the squares.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage