KATHMANDU, June 4: Nepal posted a commanding total of 275 for 7 against Malaysia in the Asia Cup Men’s Qualifier match underway in Singapore, setting a daunting 276-run target.
After Malaysia won the toss and opted to field, Nepal made full use of the batting conditions, with opener Kushal Bhurtel delivering a blistering century. He smashed 126 runs off just 54 balls, hitting 14 fours and 8 sixes, anchoring Nepal’s innings in style.
With this knock, Bhurtel became Nepal’s highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals, surpassing skipper Dipendra Singh Airee’s previous record of 2,211 runs.
Wins for Century, ICFC
Opening partner Aasif Sheikh also provided an explosive start, scoring 68 runs off 24 balls, including 7 sixes and 5 fours. The duo put together a 134-run stand in just 52 balls, giving Nepal a flying start.
However, Nepal lost momentum in the middle overs as wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed for a golden duck, while Airee contributed 31 runs. Sadip Jora made 15, Lokesh Bam 10 and Karan KC 7. Kushal Malla remained unbeaten on 9, alongside Sompal Kami on 1.
Despite the collapse in the middle order, Nepal still managed its third-highest T20I total.
Both Nepal and Malaysia already have two points each in Group A, but Nepal leads the table on net run rate. The winner of today’s match will decide the group topper, though both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals.
China, the third team in the group, lost both of its matches, while Qatar withdrew from the tournament, leaving only three teams in Group A.
In Group B, Hong Kong and Oman have already secured semi-final spots, while Bahrain and hosts Singapore have been eliminated.
