Nepal, Hong Kong claim Asian Games qualifiers wins

Rohit Paudel’s unbeaten 33 helps Nepal inflict a shock defeat on Afghanistan

Nepal began their Asian Games men’s cricket campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Friday, while Hong Kong, China, revived their quarter-final hopes after beating Oman by 41 runs.

Hong Kong, China bounced back from their opening loss to Malaysia to beat Oman by 41 runs, while Nepal marked the start of their campaign with a comfortable victory over Afghanistan, who had beaten Japan in their opening match.

Afghanistan, opting to bat first, lost their top three batters for single-figure scores to slip to 16-3. Faisal Shinozada provided some stability with 30 from 33 balls as he and Najibullah Zadran put together a 39-run partnership.

Shinozada’s dismissal triggered another collapse, with Afghanistan slipping from 55-4 to 65-6. Zadran held firm for 30, while Nangeyalia Kharote added 17 as Afghanistan were bowled out for 102.

Nepal’s bowling effort was led by Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel. Rajbanshi claimed 3-13 with the new ball, striking in each of his first three overs, while Bhurtel took four wickets for 21 runs and came close to a hat-trick.

Nepal’s chase began with a wobble as they slipped to 12-2, but captain Paudel and Sundeep Jora steadied the innings. Paudel remained unbeaten on 33, while Jora made 34 as Nepal moved steadily towards their target.

Nepal will face Japan on September 26 as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

In Group B, Hong Kong, China posted 121-8 after opting to bat first. Hafeez Khan top-scored with 33, while Babar Hayat made 23 in a 51-run third-wicket partnership.

Mohammed Al Balushi took three wickets for Oman, while Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan added 18 and 16 respectively to help Hong Kong, China pass 120.

Oman’s chase never got going as Ayush Shukla claimed three wickets for 13 runs in his opening three overs. Shuaib Al Balushi made 20 from 26 balls, but Oman were eventually bowled out for 80 in the 12th over, with captain Sufyan Mehmood top-scoring with 26 from 35 balls.

The victory keeps Hong Kong, China alive in the quarter-final race and improves their net run rate after their heavy opening defeat.

Oman will face Malaysia in their final group match. If Oman lose, both Malaysia and Hong Kong, China will progress, while an Oman victory would leave all three teams with one win and qualification decided by net run rate.