KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 25 Nepal defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in men's cricket at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Friday. Chasing a target of 103, Nepal reached 104-5 in 17.2 overs at Korogi Sports Park in Nishin, Aichi. Sandeep Jora top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, including three fours and a six, while Rohit Kumar Paudel remained unbeaten on 33. Dipendra Singh Airee made 15 and Kushal Malla nine. Earlier, Afghanistan scored 102-7 in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. Faisal Khan Ahmadzai and Najibullah Zadran scored 30 runs each, while Nangelia Khan remained unbeaten on 17. Kushal Bhurtel claimed four wickets for Nepal and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi took three. Nepal, in Group A alongside Afghanistan and Japan, will face Japan on Saturday. Group B comprises Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman.