Kathmandu, May 31: Nepal registered a commanding 221-run victory over China in the men’s cricket competition of the Asian Games in Singapore on Saturday, powered by a blistering century from Kushal Bhurtel and impressive half-centuries from Kushal Malla and captain Rohit Paudel.
Chasing a daunting target of 314 runs, China were bowled out for just 92 runs in 19.2 overs.
For Nepal, Kushal Malla claimed three wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami took two wickets each. Nandan Yadav picked up one wicket, while two Chinese batters were run out.
Earlier, China won the toss and invited Nepal to bat first. Batting first, Nepal posted a massive total of 313 with the loss of just two wickets. Bhurtel smashed 129 runs off just 43 balls, hitting five fours and 16 sixes in a sensational innings. Bhurtel hit 6 sixes in a single over during the ninth over of the innings, becoming the second Nepali batter to achieve the feat.
Malla contributed 85 runs from 47 deliveries, while captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 69 off only 21 balls.
Nepal, China, Malaysia and Qatar are placed in Group A of the tournament. With the victory, Nepal earned its first two points of the competition.
