Hong Kong Defeats Nepal to Secure Semifinal Spot; Malaysia Eliminated

In the final group stage match of the ACC Premier Cup, Nepal was defeated by Hong Kong by 15 runs. Chasing a target of 262 runs set by Hong Kong, Nepal was all out for 246 in 49.1 overs, with Ishan Pande top-scoring with 90 runs. Hong Kong scored 261 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, securing their place in the semifinals, led by Babar Hayat’s unbeaten 117 runs. The match took place on 23rd Bhadra in Kathmandu. In this ACC Premier Cup group stage finale, Nepal suffered a 15-run defeat against Hong Kong.

Facing a target of 262 runs set by Hong Kong, Nepal was dismissed for 246 runs in 49.1 overs. Ishan Pande led Nepal’s batting efforts with a top score of 90 runs, but it was not enough to secure victory. Asif Sheikh contributed 44 runs, Dipendra Singh Airey scored 25, Karan KC added 21, and Gulshan Jadeja contributed 20 runs. For Hong Kong, Ejaz Khan took 4 wickets while Yasim Murtaza claimed 2 wickets. Kinchit Shah, Nasrullah Rana, and Atiq Iqbal each took one wicket.

Earlier, Babar Hayat played a magnificent unbeaten century, guiding Hong Kong to a total of 261 runs against Nepal. Hong Kong made 261 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. When the team was struggling at 133/7, Babar Hayat compiled his century and, alongside Ehsan Khan, forged an unbeaten 128-run partnership. Babar remained not out on 117 runs from 127 balls, hitting 7 fours and 7 sixes, while Ehsan Khan was unbeaten on 34 runs. Shahid Wasif contributed 45 runs.

Nepal’s captain Sandeep Lamichhane bowled 10 overs conceding 44 runs and taking 4 wickets, while Sher Malla bowled 10 overs, giving 27 runs and taking 3 wickets. With this win, Hong Kong progressed to the semifinals, while organizers Malaysia were eliminated from the competition.