Nepal wins series against Hong Kong with one game to spare

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s U-19 cricket team has won the series against Hong Kong with one game to spare, securing a comprehensive 226-run victory in Wednesday’s match.

This follows a previous 3-wicket win, and Nepal will now play the final match on Friday.

Chasing a target of 298, Hong Kong was all out for just 71 runs in 29.4 overs.

Captain Siva Mathur top-scored for Hong Kong with 16 runs, hitting two fours off 28 balls. Arij Dar and Preet Mangukia were both dismissed for 14 runs, while others failed to reach double figures.

For Nepal, Dayanand Mandal was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for just 17 runs in 6 overs, including two maidens.

Aparajit Paudel and Sibran Shrestha each took two wickets, while Santosh Yadav and Naren Bhatta claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. With half-centuries from Sohil Kunwar and Santosh Yadav, Nepal scored 297/9 in 50 overs.

Sohil was the top scorer with 81 runs off 109 balls, including 9 fours and a six.

Santosh remained unbeaten on 66, while Dilash Ali made 41, Abhishek Tiwari scored 26, and Aparajit added 11.