Nepal Defeats China by 221 Runs in Asian Games Cricket Qualifier

The Nepal men’s cricket team secured a commanding victory over China by 221 runs in the Asian Games qualifier match. After losing the toss, Nepal opted to bat first and posted a colossal total of 313 runs while losing only 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Kushal Bhurtel set a remarkable record by hitting six sixes in a single over, becoming the sixth player worldwide to achieve this feat.

On May 30th in Kathmandu, following Kushal Bhurtel’s spectacular century, the Nepal bowling unit delivered an outstanding performance to dismantle China’s batting lineup. Chasing a target of 314, China was bowled out for 92 runs in 19.2 overs. This resulted in Nepal winning by a significant margin of 221 runs.

For China, Zheng Senjian top-scored with 31 runs, while Jianho Dule contributed 17 runs and Tian Senkun scored 12. Apart from these three, no other Chinese batsman reached double figures. Nepal’s bowling was spearheaded by Kushal Mall with 3 wickets, accompanied by Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami who took 2 wickets each, and Nandan Yadav who claimed 1 wicket.

Nepal’s total of 313 runs for 2 wickets is their second-highest in the Asian Games, previously recorded against Mongolia with a score of 314. Bhurtel batted aggressively, scoring 129 runs off just 43 balls, including 5 fours and 16 sixes. Kushal Mall added 85 runs off 47 balls, while Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten with 69 runs off 21 balls.

During the ninth over, Bhurtel struck six sixes, making him Nepal’s second player to achieve this milestone and only the sixth player globally to do so. For China, Ma Quinchen and Deng Jinki each took one wicket.