Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India begin their bid to defend the men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 when they face Afghanistan in the quarter-finals at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Monday, September 28. Shreyas Iyer’s side received a direct entry into the last eight based on India’s position among Asia’s top-ranked T20I teams, while Afghanistan had to fight through the group stage.
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India head into the knockout stage with a strong squad featuring several established T20 names. Abhishek Sharma will be one of the biggest threats at the top of the order after his explosive recent performances, while Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma give India plenty of batting depth. Captain Shreyas Iyer will be expected to anchor the middle order and lead a side packed with experience.
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The bowling attack also has considerable firepower. Jasprit Bumrah brings experience and control with the new ball and at the death, while Arshdeep Singh offers another left-arm pace option. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi give India multiple spin options, which could become particularly important if the pitch offers assistance.
It remains to be seen whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets an opportunity after being benched for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the solitary T20I against Japan.
HOW AFGHANISTAN REACHED THE QUARTERFINAL
Afghanistan were placed in Group A alongside Japan and Nepal. They began their campaign with a convincing 48-run win over hosts Japan, posting 129 for 6 before bowling Japan out for 81. Arab Gul Momand was the star with the ball, taking 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, have a young squad but possess experienced players such as Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran. India will start with a formidable line-up, but Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack and their familiarity with the conditions could make this a competitive knockout contest.
When to watch the India vs Afghanistan Asian Games cricket quarterfinal?
The Asian Games cricket quarterfinal between India and Afghanistan will begin at 10:30 AM IST and 2 PM local time.
Where to watch the India vs Afghanistan Asian Games cricket quarterfinal?
Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for Asian Games 2026. Live Streaming of India vs Afghanistan will be available on Sony LIV.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
