ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Asia Qualifier: Nepal Crushes Hong Kong for Third Straight Win

Nepal claimed its third consecutive victory in the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier, defeating Hong Kong by a dominant nine-wicket margin.

In the match held at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal chased down the modest target of 116 runs set by Hong Kong in just 12.3 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.

Sahil Patel led the charge for Nepal with an unbeaten 42 runs, while skipper Naren Bhatta remained not out on 39. Neeraj Yadav added a quick 23 to the total, and Nepal gained an extra nine runs through extras. Hong Kong’s lone breakthrough came from bowler Shayan Puri, who took one wicket.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Hong Kong was bowled out for 115 runs in 46.2 overs. Shiv Mathur was the standout performer with a resilient 63 off 116 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Arya Panjwani (13), Veer Mathur (12), and Harry Thomas Hodgson (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Nepal’s bowling attack was clinical, with Yuvraj Khatri taking four wickets. Bipin Prasad Sharma claimed three, Santosh Yadav bagged two, and Ashok Dhami chipped in with one.

With this win, Nepal strengthens its position in the qualifier tournament as a strong contender for the U-19 World Cup berth.