Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Nepal National Cricket Team Standings 2026 Latest Updates

The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings have become much more interesting after Nepal defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in their Asian Games 2026 Group A match. Afghanistan have completed both of their group fixtures with one win and one defeat, while Nepal have started their campaign with an important victory and still have one match remaining against Japan.

The latest Group A table is extremely tight at the top. Afghanistan and Nepal both have two points, but Afghanistan currently hold a very small net run-rate advantage at +0.846 compared with Nepal’s +0.842. Japan remain third after losing their opening match to Afghanistan.

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Japan National Cricket Team vs Nepal National Cricket Team Standings: Asian Games 2026

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Nepal National Cricket Team Standings 2026

Here are the latest Group A standings following Nepal’s victory over Afghanistan on September 25:

Standings updated after Afghanistan vs Nepal, September 25, 2026.

The table requires a little context because simply looking at the current positions can be misleading. Afghanistan are first because their net run rate is marginally higher, but they have already played both of their Group A matches. Nepal have played only once and therefore still control what happens to their own position when they meet Japan.

Only 0.004 separates Afghanistan and Nepal on NRR at this stage. That tiny margin makes the final Nepal vs Japan group match particularly important for deciding the order in which the two qualifying positions are filled.

Why Afghanistan Are Still Above Nepal in the Standings

The obvious question after Nepal beat Afghanistan is why Afghanistan remain above Nepal in the Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings.

The answer is the competition table and net run rate. Afghanistan have played twice, winning once and losing once for two points. Nepal have played once and won once, which also gives them two points.

Afghanistan’s current NRR is +0.846, while Nepal sit fractionally behind on +0.842. With the teams level on points, that tiny NRR difference currently places Afghanistan first.

That position should therefore be viewed as a snapshot rather than a final ranking. Nepal still have their match against Japan to play, whereas Afghanistan’s two-match Group A schedule is complete.

Nepal Beat Afghanistan by Five Wickets

The standings changed dramatically because of the result at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on September 25. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first but were restricted to 102/7 from 20 overs.

Nepal then reached 103/5 in 17.2 overs, completing the chase with 16 balls remaining and winning the match by five wickets.

The result gave Nepal two points from their opening match and brought them immediately alongside Afghanistan in Group A.

For Afghanistan, it was a missed opportunity to take four points from two matches and secure a much stronger position before the final group fixture.

How Nepal’s Win Changed the Group A Table

Before Afghanistan vs Nepal, the table looked considerably more comfortable for Afghanistan. They had opened their campaign by beating Japan by 48 runs and had two points with a strong positive net run rate.

A second victory would have taken Afghanistan to four points from two games. Instead, Nepal’s five-wicket win kept the group open and created a situation where the final Nepal-Japan match becomes decisive for the finishing order.

The impact can be seen directly in Afghanistan’s NRR movement. Cricbuzz lists Afghanistan at +2.400 after beating Japan, before their loss to Nepal reduced their overall figure to +0.846.

Nepal, meanwhile, began their tournament with the Afghanistan victory and immediately moved to two points with an NRR of +0.842.

Afghanistan’s Asian Games 2026 Results So Far

Afghanistan began their Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket campaign against hosts Japan on September 24. They scored 129/6 and then dismissed Japan for 81, completing a convincing 48-run victory.

That opening result put Afghanistan in a strong early position because Group A contains only three teams. A big win is particularly valuable in such a short format because there are very few opportunities to recover lost points or repair net run rate.

Readers who want the complete background to Afghanistan’s opening fixture can see our Afghanistan vs Japan coverage.

Their second match produced a very different result. Nepal restricted Afghanistan to 102/7 before chasing the target with five wickets in hand, leaving Afghanistan with a final group-stage record of one win and one defeat.

Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 Group Results

Afghanistan therefore finish their two Group A fixtures with 2 points and +0.846 NRR.

Nepal’s Position After Beating Afghanistan

Nepal could hardly have asked for a more valuable opening result. Afghanistan were the only team in the group that had already won a match, so defeating them immediately changed Nepal’s position in the qualification race.

The victory was built primarily with the ball. Kushal Bhurtel took 4/21, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed 3/13, as Afghanistan were limited to 102/7. Sundeep Jora then scored 34 and Rohit Paudel finished unbeaten on 33 during Nepal’s chase.

Nepal’s greater task is not complete, however. They still have Japan to face on September 26, and the result of that match will establish the final shape of Group A.

That makes Nepal’s current second position temporary. They have the same number of points as Afghanistan despite having played one fewer game.

Why Nepal vs Japan Is Now So Important

The next match is the most important remaining fixture for the Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings. Nepal face Japan on September 26 at Korogi Sports Park.

Afghanistan cannot add any more group-stage points because they have completed both fixtures. Nepal, however, can still change the table through their result against Japan.

That means the current standings should not be interpreted as the final Group A order. Afghanistan are first right now, but Nepal still have an entire match available to alter both their points total and NRR.

The full fixture sequence, including the knockout matches that follow, is available in our Asian Games Cricket Schedule 2026.

Afghanistan vs Nepal Standings – Points Explained

Asian Games Group A uses the familiar cricket league-table system in which results determine points and net run rate separates teams where required.

The important numbers at the moment are straightforward. Afghanistan have played two and won one. Nepal have played one and won one. Japan have played one and lost one.

This is why the number of matches played matters as much as the current ranking. Afghanistan’s position can now change only because of the result between the other two teams.

Net Run Rate Could Decide the Final Order

Net run rate, usually shortened to NRR, measures a team’s scoring rate relative to the rate at which its opponents score against it, subject to the competition’s playing conditions.

It becomes especially important in a short three-team group because there are only two matches per team. One large victory or heavy defeat can therefore have a substantial effect on the table.

Afghanistan experienced exactly that. Their 48-run victory over Japan initially produced an NRR of +2.400, but the subsequent five-wicket defeat against Nepal reduced their overall figure to +0.846.

Nepal’s five-wicket victory gave them a starting NRR of +0.842. The difference between the two teams is therefore only 0.004 before Nepal’s final group match.

Afghanistan vs Japan Result Is Still Crucial to the Standings

Afghanistan’s first match remains an important part of understanding the current table. They beat Japan by 48 runs on September 24, collecting two points and creating a healthy early NRR advantage.

Without that margin, Afghanistan’s position after losing to Nepal could have looked considerably different.

It also places pressure on Japan. The hosts now enter their Nepal fixture knowing they are coming from a sizeable defeat and currently sit on an NRR of -2.400.

The relationship between those two matches demonstrates why standings content cannot be understood by looking at Afghanistan vs Nepal in isolation.

Afghanistan vs Nepal Match: Where the Standings Shifted

Afghanistan’s batting performance against Nepal was the key turning point. They were restricted to 102/7 despite Faisal Shinozada and Najibullah Zadran both scoring 30.

Kushal Bhurtel’s four wickets and Lalit Rajbanshi’s three meant that the seven Afghan wickets were shared between only two Nepal bowlers. Nepal then recovered from losing their openers cheaply to complete the chase.

Sundeep Jora scored 34, while Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 33 as Nepal reached the target in 17.2 overs.

It was not merely a notable head-to-head result. In a three-team group, those two points changed the entire qualification equation.

Afghanistan and Nepal Asian Games 2026 Comparison

The latest standings make the comparison between the two teams unusual because they have reached two points through different routes.

The difference in games played is the most important number in this table. Afghanistan currently occupy first place, but Nepal have an additional opportunity to earn points.

For that reason, this page should be updated again immediately after Nepal vs Japan rather than leaving today’s table permanently in place.

Afghanistan vs Nepal Asian Games History

The 2026 contest was not the first Asian Games meeting between Afghanistan and Nepal. The two countries also met in the men’s cricket competition at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

Cricket has changed considerably for both nations since then. Afghanistan went on to become an ICC Full Member and established themselves at major international tournaments, while Nepal developed a much deeper pool of T20I experience.

The 2026 result therefore carries a different context. Nepal were able to restrict Afghanistan with an experienced bowling unit and then manage the chase despite losing early wickets.

It adds another important result to a matchup that does not occur as frequently as many of Asia’s larger cricket rivalries.

What the Standings Tell Us About Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s first two performances were quite different. Against Japan, their bowling attack turned 129/6 into a comfortable 48-run victory.

Against Nepal, Afghanistan had only 102/7 to defend. Their bowlers created some pressure, but Nepal’s middle order had enough time to recover and complete the chase.

The contrast shows why the final standings are influenced by much more than a team’s win-loss record. Margin of victory, pace of a successful chase and the size of a defeat all feed into NRR.

Afghanistan’s +0.846 NRR remains positive largely because of the strength of their opening win over Japan.

What the Standings Tell Us About Nepal

Nepal’s position is different because their tournament sample currently consists of only one completed match.

Their five-wicket win against Afghanistan gave them two points and a positive NRR immediately. More importantly, it left their qualification position in their own hands going into the Japan fixture.

Nepal’s performance against Afghanistan was also balanced. Their bowlers created the advantage before the middle order completed the job, rather than relying on one extraordinary individual innings.

Cricbuzz described the win as one that gives Nepal a strong opportunity in the group, but the exact final standings still depend on the remaining fixture.

Group A vs Group B: How the Asian Games Format Works

The Asian Games 2026 men’s preliminary stage is split into two groups. Afghanistan, Nepal and Japan form Group A, while Malaysia, Hong Kong China and Oman are in Group B.

The preliminary groups feed into a knockout bracket that also contains seeded teams. TeamStats’ tournament schedule lists India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka entering at the quarter-final stage.

This structure makes finishing position significant. It is not simply about progressing from the preliminary stage; where a team finishes determines its route into the knockouts.

For broader tournament updates, squads, schedules and medal-race coverage, see our Asian Games Cricket 2026 guide.

Latest Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Nepal National Cricket Team Standings Explained

As of September 25, Afghanistan technically lead Group A. They have 2 points from two matches and +0.846 NRR.

Nepal are second with 2 points from one match and +0.842 NRR, while Japan sit third with no points after losing their opening fixture.

But those positions are not yet the final table. Nepal and Japan still have to complete their head-to-head fixture.

That distinction is particularly important for anyone searching for Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings, because a table without the matches-played context could give the wrong impression about the actual qualification situation.

Can Afghanistan Still Finish Below Nepal?

Yes. Afghanistan have no group matches remaining, while Nepal still have Japan to play.

That means Nepal have an opportunity to move beyond their current two-point total. The final ranking will depend on the result of Nepal vs Japan and, where necessary, the tournament’s tie-breaking rules.

Afghanistan’s current first position is therefore not locked in. It simply reflects the standings after four matches of the men’s preliminary competition, including Afghanistan vs Nepal.

This is also why the standings article needs another update after the September 26 fixture.

Can Japan Still Affect Afghanistan and Nepal’s Positions?

Japan are currently third after losing to Afghanistan by 48 runs. Their NRR stands at -2.400, and they have their final group match against Nepal remaining.

That gives the hosts an opportunity to alter the final Group A table.

Rather than trying to calculate every hypothetical outcome before the final fixture, the safest interpretation is that Nepal vs Japan will determine the final group picture under the competition’s points and tie-breaking rules.

Once that match is completed, the standings can be updated with confirmed positions rather than projections.

Afghanistan vs Nepal Standings FAQs

What are the latest Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings?

After Nepal’s five-wicket win on September 25, Afghanistan are first in Group A with 2 points and +0.846 NRR. Nepal are second with 2 points and +0.842 NRR, while Japan have no points. Nepal and Japan have each played one fewer match than Afghanistan.

Who won Afghanistan vs Nepal in Asian Games 2026?

Nepal defeated Afghanistan by five wickets. Afghanistan scored 102/7 before Nepal reached 103/5 in 17.2 overs.

How many points do Afghanistan have?

Afghanistan have 2 points from two matches, with one win and one defeat. Their current net run rate is +0.846.

How many points do Nepal have?

Nepal have 2 points from one match after defeating Afghanistan. Their current net run rate is +0.842.

Why are Afghanistan above Nepal after losing to them?

Both teams currently have two points, but Afghanistan’s NRR of +0.846 is fractionally higher than Nepal’s +0.842. Afghanistan have also played one additional match.

When is Nepal vs Japan?

Nepal are scheduled to face Japan on September 26, 2026 in their remaining Group A fixture.

Where can I check the complete Asian Games cricket standings?

The broader tournament table is available on our Asian Games Cricket Points Table 2026 page.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Nepal National Cricket Team Standings – Final Word

The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Nepal national cricket team standings are unusually close after Nepal’s five-wicket victory. Afghanistan currently lead Group A with two points and an NRR of +0.846, while Nepal also have two points and sit just behind at +0.842.

The crucial difference is that Afghanistan have completed both of their group matches, whereas Nepal still have Japan to play. Afghanistan’s 48-run victory over Japan keeps them in a strong current position, but Nepal’s remaining fixture means the table can still change.

For the moment, the Afghanistan vs Nepal standings are separated by only 0.004 in net run rate. The Nepal vs Japan match on September 26 will provide the information needed to establish the final Group A positions.

Keep following TeamStats.in for tournament coverage, while the Cricket News Today section carries the latest cricket results, match developments and tournament updates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rajani Kant

Cricket Writer & Editor at TeamStats.in

Rajani Kant is a cricket writer and editor at TeamStats.in, covering cricket statistics, team records, player performances, match results and important developments from international cricket. His focus is on presenting cricket information in a clear, useful and easy-to-understand format.

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