Bhurtel shines with half-century and Player of the Match award
KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 9
Nepal registered a commanding 58-run victory over Kuwait in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier match held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday night.
Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal posted 141 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs, with Kushal Bhurtel leading the charge with a solid 66 off 56 balls. Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha added 20 runs each, while skipper Rohit Paudel contributed 16.
In reply, Kuwait faltered under disciplined Nepali bowling and were bowled out for just 83 runs in 18.1 overs. Clinto Anto (26), Yashin Patel (19), and Meet Bhavsar (11) were the only batters to reach double figures.
For Nepal, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Rohit Paudel picked up two wickets each, while Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, and Kushal Bhurtel claimed one apiece.
Bhurtel was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Nepal, placed in Group B alongside Kuwait and Japan, will aim to continue their winning form as they vie for qualification to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February to March.
