Men's Asian Games 2026: Match 5, JPN vs NEP Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between Japan vs Nepal?

Japan (JPN) will lock horns with Nepal (NEP) at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday, September 26, in Match 5 of the Men's Asian Games 2026.

Hosts Japan came into the tournament on the back of a historic clash against India, but have started the competition with a loss to Afghanistan. They were beaten by 49 runs, failing to chase down a total of 129. A win against Nepal could propel them into the quarterfinals.

Nepal come into this clash with a dominant victory over Afghanistan, where they chased down a total of 103 on a slow wicket. A victory could see them make their way into the quarterfinals unbeaten, and carrying significant momentum.

JPN vs NEP: Match Details

Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin: Pitch Report

Batters will have to get their eye in on the pitch at the Korogi Sports Park. The pitch is slow, with spin bowlers coming into the forefront. Batting sides have struggled to score significant runs and have had to wait their time on the surface. Spinners and pacers alike can get help from the surface.

JPN vs NEP: Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

JPN vs NEP: Predicted Playing 11s

Japan

Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Wataru Miyauchi, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (c), Alexander Shirai-Patmore (wk), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Makoto Taniyama

Nepal

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Kushal Malla, Gulsan Jha, Sundeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi

JPN vs NEP: Probable Best Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Rohit Paudel

Rohit Paudel was the key batter for Nepal in their clash against Afghanistan. Paudel scored a 32-ball 33, anchoring the innings and ensuring his side got over the line. He will be looking to continue this form into the clash against Japan.

Probable Best Bowler: Kushal Bhurtel

While Kushal Bhurtel has been known for his exploits with the bat, it is with the ball that he shone against Afghanistan. The leg-spinner took figures of 4 for 21 from four overs to take apart the Afghanistan innings, and will be looking to continue that form.

Today's Match Prediction: Nepal to win the match