Nepal Defeats Malaysia by 167 Runs to Top Group in Asian Games Men’s Cricket Qualifier

In the ongoing Asian Games men’s cricket qualifiers held in Singapore, Nepal secured their second consecutive victory by defeating Malaysia by 167 runs. Nepali opener Kushal Bhurtel became the first Nepali player and the 10th player worldwide to score back-to-back T20I centuries. Nepal set a target of 276 runs, and Malaysia, unable to match the effort, was bowled out for 108 runs, securing Nepal’s position as the winner of Group ‘A’. 21 Jestha, Kathmandu.

In the match played on Thursday in Singapore, Nepal continued its winning streak by beating Malaysia by 167 runs and topping Group ‘A’. Chasing Nepal’s challenging score of 276 runs, Malaysia managed only 108 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Malaysia’s captain Sayid Aziz was the highest scorer with 54 runs, while other batsmen failed to make a significant impact. Sharvin Muniyandi scored 18 runs, and Muhammad Haziq made 13 runs. For Nepal, Sher Malla took 3 wickets for 14 runs in 4 overs, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Malla each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, opener Kushal Bhurtel played a record-breaking century to propel Nepal to a massive total. Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal posted 275 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. Bhurtel scored 126 runs off 54 balls, including 14 fours and 8 sixes. Fellow opener Asif Sheikh contributed 68 runs off 24 balls. This century marked Bhurtel’s second consecutive T20I hundred and his third overall. Previously, he had scored 129 runs off 43 balls against China in the tournament’s opening match, which included a 35-ball century. Against Malaysia, Bhurtel reached his century in 44 balls. He is the first Nepali player to achieve back-to-back T20I centuries and the 10th worldwide to do so. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee added a quick 31 runs off 11 balls. Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh took 3 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs, while Vijay Unni and Sayid Aziz took 2 wickets each. Nepal had also recorded a substantial 221-run victory over China earlier. Group ‘A’ included Nepal, Malaysia, and China, with both Nepal and Malaysia having defeated China already. Both teams have now secured spots in the semifinals.