Kathmandu, February 27

Nepal thrashed Hong Kong by nine wickets in the U-19 Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier match at the Malek Cricket Ground in Ajman, United Arab Emirates today.

Batting first, Hong Kong were bowled out for 120 runs in 46.3 overs before Nepali raced to 126-1 in 22.1 overs. Nepal, who defeated Singapore by 96 runs and outplayed Kuwait by 243 runs in their previous two matches, will face Malaysia on Tuesday.

After bowling Hong Kong out for a low total, Nepal opener Aakash Tripathi and Uttam Rangu Thapa Magar added 98 runs for the unbroken second wicket to complete the victory. Player-ofthe-match Tripathi struck five fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 64 off 75 balls, while Thapa Magar scored 50-ball 39 not out with the help of four boundaries. Arjun Kumal contributed 16 off 12 balls that included three fours.

Earlier, Nepali bowlers did not let Hong Kong batters build partnerships. Only three Hong Kong batters were able to score in double figures. Parth Bhagwat top scored with 36 off 93 balls that included four boundaries, while Mohammad Aliyaan Zahir contributed 29 and skipper Ahan Trivedi made 11.

Hemant Dhami was the pick of the Nepali bowlers taking 3-19, and he was ably supported by Akash Chand (2-43) and Subash Bhandari (2-10). Dipesh Kandel also bagged a wicket.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 28, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.