Nepal will face Japan in Match 5 of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday, September 26. The Group A encounter will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, with the match scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time (5:30 AM IST).
Nepal are competing in Group A alongside Afghanistan and hosts Japan. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet one of the four seeded Full Member nations.
The Nepali squad is led by all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee and features several experienced international campaigners, including former captain Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Aarif Sheikh, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC and Sompal Kami. Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam provide further power-hitting options, while Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla strengthen the bowling resources.
With Japan already having played Afghanistan in the tournament, Nepal will need to assess the conditions quickly and select a combination capable of handling the hosts’ varied bowling attack.
Here is the predicted playing XI for Nepal against Japan:
1. Aasif Sheikh (WK)
Aasif Sheikh is expected to open the innings and take responsibility behind the stumps. The right-handed batter has been a regular part of Nepal’s T20 setup and possesses the ability to attack during the powerplay.
Against Japan, Aasif could be particularly important because Nepal will want to establish an early advantage rather than allowing the hosts’ bowlers to settle.
2. Kushal Bhurtel
Kushal Bhurtel is likely to partner Aasif at the top of the order. One of Nepal’s experienced T20 batters, Bhurtel can take the attack to the opposition from the outset.
His ability to find boundaries in the powerplay could help Nepal build a strong platform before their middle-order hitters enter the contest.
3. Rohit Paudel
Rohit Paudel is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The former Nepal captain provides stability and considerable international experience to the batting unit.
If Nepal lose an early wicket, Paudel can anchor the innings, while his ability to accelerate later makes him equally useful when the team has a strong start.
4. Dipendra Singh Airee (Captain)
Dipendra Singh Airee should bat in the middle order while leading the side. His all-round ability makes him one of Nepal’s most important players.
Airee can contribute with both bat and ball, giving Nepal tactical flexibility throughout the match. His experience will also be valuable when managing the team against the hosts.
5. Kushal Malla
Kushal Malla is expected to provide the middle order with power-hitting ability. The left-hander was brought back into Nepal’s Asian Games squad after missing the earlier T20 World Cup and is one of the team’s major attacking options.
Malla can change the momentum of an innings quickly, particularly against spin, and could be given licence to attack during the middle overs.
6. Aarif Sheikh
Aarif Sheikh could slot into the middle order and provide another experienced batting option. His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships makes him useful in a lineup already containing several aggressive batters.
He can also provide Nepal with flexibility if the side needs to rebuild after losing multiple wickets.
7. Gulsan Jha
Gulsan Jha is likely to feature as the second all-round option alongside Dipendra. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Nepal greater depth.
Jha can provide useful runs in the lower middle order while also offering a seam-bowling option if the captain requires an extra bowler.
8. Karan KC
Karan KC should spearhead Nepal’s pace attack. The experienced all-rounder can bowl with the new ball and return during the death overs, while his lower-order hitting gives Nepal additional batting depth.
His experience could be particularly useful against Japan’s top order.
9. Sompal Kami
Sompal Kami is another experienced seamer expected to feature. He is the only member of Nepal’s current squad who was also part of their 2014 Asian Games campaign.
Kami’s ability to vary his pace and bowl in different phases makes him a useful complement to Karan KC.
10. Sandeep Lamichhane
Sandeep Lamichhane is expected to lead the spin attack. The leg-spinner remains one of Nepal’s most recognisable international cricketers and provides a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Against Japan’s batting lineup, Lamichhane could be used aggressively to break partnerships and restrict the scoring rate.
11. Lalit Rajbanshi
Lalit Rajbanshi could complete Nepal’s XI as the second specialist spinner. The left-arm orthodox bowler gives Nepal a different angle alongside Lamichhane.
His ability to maintain pressure while Lamichhane attacks from the other end could be particularly valuable on a surface where spin plays a role.
Predicted Playing XI of Nepal vs Japan
Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Note: This is a predicted XI based on Nepal’s announced Asian Games squad and their available team combination. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.