Afghanistan vs Nepal: Nepal beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets in Nisshin

Nepal beat Afghanistan by five wickets in Nisshin on September 25, 2026, as Nepal chased 103 to win the Asian Games Group A match, the latest reporting shows. The match featured Afghanistan setting a 102-run target and Nepal reaching 103 for 5.

Afghanistan finished on 102 for 7 in their 20 overs and Nepal completed the chase in 17.2 overs, winning by five wickets with 16 balls to spare, according to the BBC scorecard and ESPN match report.

Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel led Nepal’s batting in the chase, while Lalit Rajbanshi was among the bowlers who applied pressure on Afghanistan early in the innings, per ESPN and NDTV match coverage.

Empty cricket pitch at dusk with an unbranded scoreboard reading low totals, floodlights on, and a lone set of stumps on the square

The match was played at Nisshin during the Asian Games men’s cricket competition, listed on the ICC match centre and match schedules on Cricbuzz. Scorecards published by ESPN and Moneycontrol give the same totals and overs for both sides.

Play-by-play outlets noted the chase never required a late flurry; Nepal reached the target with several overs to spare after disciplined bowling kept Afghanistan under 110. NDTV’s live updates reported “NEPAL WIN BY 5 WICKETS, with 16 balls to spare.”

Two anonymous players' gloves and a ball left on the boundary rope, empty stands behind, evening light

This result gives Nepal an opening Group A victory at the Asian Games and a positive net run-rate start in a short tournament where every match matters, the ICC match page and Cricbuzz commentary explain. Fans looking for other match previews can find related team previews like England vs Sri Lanka preview on the site.

How it unfolded: Afghanistan made steady early progress but lost regular wickets, finishing 102 for 7, while Nepal’s top order produced enough runs to chase the modest target, according to ESPN and BBC ball-by-ball reports.

What to watch next: tournament pages on Cricbuzz and the ICC list upcoming fixtures and group standings for the Asian Games men’s cricket competition; those will show the knock-on effects of this result for Group A scheduling and qualification scenarios.

Sources

ESPN — match report and player performance details, including Kushal Bhurtel and Lalit Rajbanshi contributions.
BBC — full scorecard confirming Afghanistan 102-7 and Nepal 103-5 (17.2 overs), match result and margin.
NDTV — live updates noting Nepal’s five-wicket win and “16 balls to spare” detail.
Cricbuzz — fixture listing and match context for the Asian Games Group A game at Nisshin.
ICC — match centre listing the teams and tournament placement.

About the author, Chris Martin

Chris Martin is a US economics and current affairs journalist covering the intersection of policy, markets, and everyday financial life. With a background in financial reporting and a sharp eye for the stories behind the numbers, Chris brings clarity to some of the most complex issues shaping the American economy today. At ECIKS.org, Chris covers breaking developments across domestic economic policy, business strategy, Wall Street movements, and political decisions that ripple through financial markets. His reporting blends rigorous data analysis with accessible storytelling making critical information useful for investors, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens alike.