Nepal and Hong Kong Secure Wins in Asian Games Cricket
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Nepal opened their Asian Games men’s cricket campaign with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Friday, while Hong Kong, China kept their quarter-final hopes alive with a 41-run win against Oman.
Nepal recovered from an early setback in their chase to comfortably reach Afghanistan’s target, while Hong Kong, China bounced back from their opening defeat to Malaysia with an important victory.
Nepal Bowl Out Afghanistan for 102
Afghanistan elected to bat first but struggled against Nepal’s bowling attack. Their top three batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, leaving the team at 16 for 3.
Faisal Shinozada then added 30 runs from 33 balls and shared a 39-run partnership with Najibullah Zadran.
However, Shinozada’s dismissal triggered another collapse as Afghanistan fell from 55 for 4 to 65 for 6.
Zadran contributed 30 runs, while Nangeyalia Kharote scored 17 before Afghanistan were bowled out for 102.
Lalit Rajbanshi was Nepal’s most successful bowler with 3-13. He took a wicket in each of his first three overs.
Kushal Bhurtel also played a key role, claiming four wickets for 21 runs and coming close to completing a hat-trick.
Paudel and Jora Guide Nepal to Victory
Nepal’s chase got off to a difficult start as they lost two wickets for just 12 runs.
Captain Rohit Paudel and Sundeep Jora then steadied the innings with a useful partnership.
Paudel remained unbeaten on 33, while Jora scored 34 as Nepal reached the target to complete a five-wicket victory.
Nepal will play Japan on September 26, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Hong Kong Defeat Oman by 41 Runs
In another match, Hong Kong, China recovered from their opening loss to Malaysia by defeating Oman by 41 runs in Group B.
Batting first, Hong Kong posted 121 for 8. Hafeez Khan top-scored with 33 runs, while Babar Hayat contributed 23 during a 51-run partnership for the third wicket.
Mohammed Al Balushi was Oman’s leading bowler with three wickets. Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan also contributed with 18 and 16 runs respectively to help Hong Kong reach 120.
Oman struggled during their chase as Ayush Shukla claimed three wickets for just 13 runs in his opening three overs.
Shuaib Al Balushi scored 20 from 26 balls, while captain Sufyan Mehmood top-scored with 26 from 35 deliveries.
Oman were eventually bowled out for 80 in the 12th over, giving Hong Kong a 41-run victory.
Quarter-Final Qualification Race
The win keeps Hong Kong, China in contention for a place in the quarter-finals and also improves their net run rate following their heavy defeat to Malaysia in the opening match.
Oman will face Malaysia in their final group game.
If Oman lose that match, both Malaysia and Hong Kong, China will progress to the next stage. If Oman win, all three teams will have one victory each and qualification will then be determined by net run rate.
