Nepal continued their dominant streak in the ICC U19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers with a comprehensive 9-wicket win over Hong Kong, China, securing their third straight victory and significantly improving their Net Run Rate (NRR).
Opting to bowl first, Nepal applied early pressure despite Hong Kong getting off to a decent start at 60/1. However, a middle-order collapse saw them bundled out for just 115 in 46.2 overs. Captain Shiv Mathur was the lone warrior with a gritty 63, while no other batter managed to reach double digits.
Nepal’s bowlers once again led from the front, with Yuvraj Khatri delivering a match-winning performance. The in-form leggie picked up 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his 10-over spell, earning his second consecutive Player of the Match award. Bipin Sharma supported well with 3 wickets, while Santosh Yadav and Ashok Dhami added two and one, respectively.
Chasing a modest target, Nepal wasted no time, reaching 116 in just 12.3 overs for the loss of only two wickets. Sahil Patel anchored the innings with 42, while Naren Bhatta’s explosive 39 off 23 balls and Niraj’s quickfire 23 off 12 sealed the victory in style.
With this emphatic win, Nepal remains unbeaten and will face Afghanistan in their final group match on April 19, which could decide the qualifier from the region.
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