Afghanistan Set for Asian Games Cricket Quarter-Final Against India
Afghanistan will play India in the men’s cricket quarter-finals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after advancing from Group A in second place. India, the defending champions, entered the knockout stage as a top-seeded team.
The match is scheduled for September 28 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Persistent rain has affected preparations and could influence playing conditions, with tournament rules allowing India to advance if the quarter-final cannot be completed.
Afghanistan are set to face India in the quarter-finals of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Afghanistan secured a place in the last eight after the final Group A match between Nepal and Japan was abandoned because of persistent rain. Nepal finished at the top of the group, while Afghanistan advanced to the quarter-finals in second place.
Afghanistan had earlier opened its campaign with a 48-run victory over Japan. The team then suffered a five-wicket defeat against Nepal, leaving its qualification dependent on the outcome of the remaining group match.
The quarter-final against India is scheduled for September 28 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. India entered the knockout stage directly as one of the top-seeded teams in the men’s competition, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The Indian side is led by Shreyas Iyer and includes several established international players. India are also the defending men’s Asian Games champions, adding significance to the upcoming match.
Afghanistan will face a difficult challenge against an Indian squad that has been preparing under challenging weather conditions in Nagoya. Heavy rain in the area has affected training and raised concerns about playing conditions ahead of the quarter-finals.
Weather could also become an important factor during the match. Forecasts have raised the possibility of further rain, while tournament rules provide a pathway for India to advance if the quarter-final cannot be completed.
For Afghanistan, the match provides an opportunity to compete against one of Asia’s strongest cricket teams on a major continental stage. The Afghan side will look to build on its victory over Japan and produce a strong performance against India.
The winner of the quarter-final will advance to the semi-finals of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games.
