Nepal’s Under-19 cricket team continued their dominant form in the ACC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers with a convincing nine-wicket win over Hong Kong on Wednesday, securing their place in the final against Afghanistan.
After winning the toss at Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal chose to bowl first and bowled out Hong Kong for just 115 runs in 46.2 overs. Star leg-spinner Yuvraj Khatri led the bowling attack with an impressive 4-wicket haul for only 18 runs in his full 10-over spell. He played a crucial role in breaking Hong Kong’s middle order and took the key wicket of top-scorer Shiv Mathur, who made 63 runs from 116 balls, including four fours and a six.
Chasing a modest target of 116, Nepal reached the goal with ease, finishing at 118/1 in just 12.3 overs. Openers Niraj Yadav (23 off 12) and Sahil Patel (42 off 41) gave a powerful start with a 55-run partnership during the powerplay. Skipper Naren Bhatta then guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 39 off just 23 deliveries.
With this win, Nepal maintains an unbeaten streak and is now set to face fellow unbeaten team Afghanistan in the final showdown on Saturday. The winner of this crucial match will secure a spot in the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup.
