The Men’s Japan National Team lost their Asian Games opener against Afghanistan by 48 runs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl Reo Sakurano made an early breakthrough after a good spell of bowling.
The Afghanistan batters looked threatening but it was not until Mohammad Ishaq entered the fray at number six did they really get going. His 25* from 17 balls gave the innings late impetus after opener Mohammad Akram had made 34 from 29 balls.
Afghanistan finished 129 for six from their 20 overs and Japan made a positive start with the bat moving to 52 for two in the eighth over.
The dismissal of Benjamin Ito-Davis sparked a collapse that proved too much to recover from as Afghanistan spinner Arab Gul tore through the middle order. Gul finished with four wickets for just eight runs as Afghanistan dismissed six Japanese batters for just ten runs in 38 deliveries.
The Japanese tail fought to the final over, but they were eventually all out for 81 after 19.3 overs.
