Aichi-Nagoya, Sept. 26 -- Japan were knocked out of the Asian Games men's cricket competition after their rain-hit first-round match against Nepal was abandoned without a ball being bowled in the chase on Saturday.

Nepal posted 149 for four in their allotted 15 overs after Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam struck unbeaten half-centuries, but persistent rain prevented Japan from beginning their chase, according to Cricinfo.

The result saw Nepal finish top of Group A and advance to the quarter-finals, while Afghanistan joined them in the last eight. Japan's campaign came to an end despite showing encouraging spells in their recent matches.

Japan needed to chase down Nepal's 149 in just 15 overs, making it a steep target even before the rain in...