India to meet Afghanistan in Asian Games 2026 cricket quarter-final in Nisshin

India begin their bid to defend the men's cricket gold at the Asian Games 2026 when they face Afghanistan in a quarter-final at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Monday, September 28. India received direct entry to the last eight based on their position among Asia's top-ranked T20I teams, while Afghanistan progressed through the group stage.

India's squad features established T20 names including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, with Abhishek Sharma noted for explosive recent performances. Captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to anchor the middle order and lead a side described as packed with experience. The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, who offers experience with the new ball and at the death, and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh. Spin options for India comprise Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi; it remains to be seen whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get an opportunity after being benched for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the solitary T20I against Japan.

Afghanistan were placed in Group A alongside Japan and Nepal and opened their campaign with a 48-run win over hosts Japan, posting 129 for 6 before bowling Japan out for 81. Arab Gul Momand was the standout bowler in that match with figures of 4 for 8, while Nangeyalia Kharote claimed 3 for 19.

Afghanistan then lost to Nepal by five wickets, leaving the group qualification race dependent on the final Nepal–Japan match. That game was washed out after Nepal reached 149 for 4 in a rain-shortened 15-over innings; the no-result confirmed Nepal as Group A winners and Afghanistan as runners-up, sending both into the quarter-finals.

Afghanistan, led by Darwish Rasooli, field a young squad that also includes experienced players Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran. While India will start with a formidable line-up, Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack and familiarity with the conditions could make the quarter-final a competitive knockout contest.

The quarter-final will begin at 10:30 AM IST and 2 PM local time. Sony Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for the Asian Games 2026 and live streaming of India vs Afghanistan will be available on Sony LIV.