Associate Nations Cricket — 2026-09-27
Nepal's Asian Games campaign delivered the week's biggest associate storyline: a stunning five-wicket upset over Afghanistan, followed by a rain-ruined no-result against Japan that left Nepal as group winners but saw Afghanistan sneak into the quarter-finals. Nepal's medal chase continues at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, with NPL Season 3 fixtures also confirmed for October. Elsewhere, associate-relevant news was thin, and no fresh ICC funding or World Cup League 2 developments were published in the past week.
Associate Nations Cricket — 2026-09-27
Top developments
Nepal stun Afghanistan in Asian Games upset
Nepal beat Afghanistan by five wickets at the Asian Games 2026 in a match described by Indian and Nepali media as a major upset, keeping Nepal's quarter-final hopes alive and prompting fan celebrations. India TV noted the result threw the quarter-final race into uncertainty.
Rain washes out Nepal vs Japan; Nepal top the group, Afghanistan advance
Nepal's final group match against hosts Japan on 26 September ended with no result due to rain, meaning Nepal finished as group winners without a result on the day. ABP Live reported the rain was a "boon" for Afghanistan, whose quarter-final against India was set as a consequence — a bitter twist for Nepal despite the unbeaten group stage.
NPL Season 3 schedule confirmed
Himalpress reported that the Nepal Premier League's third season begins on Kartik 9 (26 October), with the final to be played after Tihar. The franchise T20 league remains Nepal's key domestic showcase and player-contract pipeline ahead of a busy international calendar.
Local view
Nepali outlets have framed the Asian Games as a chance for Nepal to "change cricket results" and convert its ACC Premier Cup title momentum into a first Asian Games medal, with the team given a formal send-off in Kathmandu before the Games. TV Annapurna's coverage of the Japan washout emphasized the frustration of a shortened campaign decided by weather.
Context & numbers
- Nepal entered the Asian Games as reigning ACC Premier Cup champions (title won 12 September, qualifying them for Asia Cup 2027).
- NPL Season 3: first match on 26 October; final after Tihar.
- No fresh World Cup League 2 standings updates were published this week.
On the radar
Nepal's knockout stage at the Asian Games and potential medal match; the NPL Season 3 opener on 26 October; and Nepal's onward Asia Cup 2027 participation. Rumors of a coaching-staff reshuffle flagged in earlier Nepali coverage are unconfirmed this week.
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