India will face Afghanistan in the men’s cricket quarter-finals at the 2026 Asian Games on 28 September. Pakistan play Hong Kong on the same day, followed by Sri Lanka versus Nepal and Bangladesh versus Malaysia on 29 September. For Indian fans, the India–Afghanistan match is the headline fixture. Nepal’s meeting with Sri Lanka also has added interest after Nepal beat Afghanistan in the group stage.
Asian Games Men’s Cricket Quarter-Final Schedule
The ICC confirmed the four fixtures after rain disrupted the final matches in Groups A and B. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh now know their quarter-final opponents.
Matches on 28 September
| Fixture | Date |
| Pakistan vs Hong Kong | 28 September |
| India vs Afghanistan | 28 September |
Matches on 29 September
| Fixture | Date |
| Sri Lanka vs Nepal | 29 September |
| Bangladesh vs Malaysia | 29 September |
The schedule sets up two distinct storylines: India’s knockout opener against Afghanistan and Nepal’s chance to produce another surprise against Sri Lanka.
How Nepal and Afghanistan Advanced From Group A
Nepal and Afghanistan took the two quarter-final places from Group A, while hosts Japan were eliminated. Their final group match did not reach a result, but Nepal’s batting gave supporters something to take into the next round.
Rain Stops Nepal’s Match Against Japan
Nepal had beaten Afghanistan earlier in Group A. In their final group match against Japan, Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam scored half-centuries as Nepal reached 149/4 after 15 overs. Rain then stopped play, and the match ended without a result. Nepal and Afghanistan advanced to the quarter-finals from Group A, while Japan were eliminated.
Nepal’s Win Over Afghanistan Adds to the Story
Nepal had already beaten Afghanistan earlier in the group stage. That result gives their campaign momentum, although Sri Lanka present a new challenge. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have a chance to respond to that defeat when they meet India.
Hong Kong and Malaysia Take the Group B Places
Group B also ended with a washout. Malaysia’s match against Oman was abandoned without a ball being bowled, leaving Malaysia and Hong Kong through to the last eight. Oman’s campaign came to an end.
Hong Kong Draw Pakistan
Hong Kong will face Pakistan on 28 September. A quarter-final against one of the tournament’s major cricket nations is a demanding assignment, but it is also a chance to make their group-stage qualification count.
Malaysia Face Bangladesh
Malaysia meet Bangladesh on 29 September. With a semi-final place at stake, both Hong Kong and Malaysia now move from a rain-affected group finish into matches that must produce a team advancing.
India vs Afghanistan Takes Centre Stage
India’s match with Afghanistan is the quarter-final most likely to draw attention from Indian readers. Afghanistan qualified despite losing to Nepal, and that defeat adds an interesting question: how will they respond in a knockout match?
India Begin Their Knockout Campaign
India’s focus is straightforward: win and reach the semi-finals. A steady start with the bat would give them room to build an innings, while early wickets with the ball could put Afghanistan under pressure. Those are possibilities to watch during the match, rather than conclusions that can be drawn from the fixture list.
Afghanistan Have a Chance to Reset
Nepal’s group-stage victory showed that Afghanistan can be challenged. It does not tell us how India’s quarter-final will unfold. Afghanistan have qualified for the last eight, and their performance against India will matter far more than one earlier result.
Can Nepal Surprise Sri Lanka?
Nepal have already produced one of the group stage’s notable results by beating Afghanistan. Their 149/4 against Japan added to the sense that they can score quickly, even though rain prevented that match from finishing.
Jora and Bam Bring Batting Form
Jora and Bam’s half-centuries against Japan offer Nepal encouragement before the Sri Lanka match. The challenge now is to turn a promising 15-over display into a complete quarter-final performance.
A Second Upset Will Require a Complete Game
Nepal’s batting has attracted attention, but their bowling and fielding will also be tested against Sri Lanka. Their win over Afghanistan gives them reason to believe; it does not make another upset inevitable.
What the Quarter-Finals Will Decide
Rain influenced the end of the group stage, but the focus now shifts to four direct contests for places in the semi-finals. The confirmed fixtures tell fans who will play; they do not settle which teams will advance.
Follow Official Match Updates
The final group fixtures were affected by weather, so fans should check official updates for match timing and any schedule changes. Results should be reported only after play is completed.
Watch the Knockout Results, Not Just Group Form
Nepal’s victory over Afghanistan is an important part of the build-up, and their batting against Japan adds another reason to watch them. Each quarter-final is a fresh contest, however. India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal must earn their semi-final places on the field.
Conclusion
India versus Afghanistan leads the Asian Games 2026 Cricket quarter-final schedule for Indian fans, while Nepal’s meeting with Sri Lanka carries the possibility of another surprise. By the end of the round, four teams will remain in the race for men’s cricket medals.
Follow the quarter-final results and the road to the medals on Vijaybsport.
