Nepal qualify for Asian Games with 167-run win over Malaysia
Chasing a daunting target of 277 runs, Malaysia were restricted to 108/9 in their 20 overs.
KATHMANDU: Nepal delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a massive 167-run victory over Malaysia in the Asian Games Qualifier, sealing their place in the upcoming Asian Games as group winners.
Chasing a daunting target of 277 runs, Malaysia were restricted to 108/9 in their 20 overs. Captain Syed Aziz top-scored with 54 runs, while Syazrul Idros made 18 and Muhammad Haziq added 13. However, no other batter managed to reach double figures as Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack kept full control of the chase.
For Nepal national cricket team, Shyam Mahat (Sher Malla) led the bowling effort with three wickets. He was well supported by Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Malla, who all picked up one wicket each. Earlier, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Nepal posted a commanding 275/7 in 20 overs. Kushal Bhurtel starred with a brilliant century, scoring 126 off just 54 balls, including 14 fours and 8 sixes—his third T20 International hundred.
Aasif Sheikh provided explosive support with 68 runs off 24 balls, smashing 7 sixes and 5 fours. Dipendra Singh Airee added a quickfire 31 off 11 balls with 4 sixes. For Malaysia national cricket team, Virandeep Singh took three wickets, while Syed Aziz and Vijay Unni claimed two wickets each. Despite the heavy defeat, Malaysia also secured qualification for the Asian Games alongside Nepal.
