KATHMANDU, Nov 29: Nepal’s U-19 cricket team has secured its place in the upcoming Asia Cup after defeating Malaysia by nine wickets in the semifinals on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 52-run target at the Ajman ground in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal cruised to victory in just 7.5 overs with the loss of only one wicket. Vansh Kshetri remained unbeaten on 23, while Nischal Kshetri contributed an unbeaten 15. Malaysia’s Mohammad Akram claimed the lone wicket.
Nepal vs Sri Lanka (Live video)
Earlier, put in to bat after losing the toss, Malaysia were bundled out for 51 runs in 17.2 overs. Hamzah Pangi top-scored with 13, while Muhammad Fatul Muin added 11; no other batter reached double figures.
For Nepal, Nitish Kumar Patel starred with four wickets, Chandan Ram grabbed three, while captain Ashok Dhami, Roshan Bishwakarma, and Aparajit Paudel picked up one wicket each.
Out of the 14 participating teams in the qualifiers, the top three will advance to the ACC U-19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place this December in the UAE.
