Nepal vs Malaysia: Nepal produced a commanding all-round performance to register a massive 167-run victory over Malaysia in the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier 2026 at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Thursday. Powered by a sensational century from Kushal Bhurtel and a disciplined bowling effort, Nepal outclassed Malaysia in every department to strengthen their position in the tournament.
After being asked to bat first, Nepal piled up an imposing 275 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, one of the highest totals recorded in the competition. Malaysia, faced with the daunting task of chasing 276, never managed to build momentum and eventually finished on 108 for 9 from 20 overs.
Kushal Bhurtel Leads the Charge with Explosive Hundred
The standout performer in the Nepal vs Malaysia clash was Kushal Bhurtel, who delivered a breathtaking innings of 126 runs from just 54 balls. His knock was packed with attacking strokeplay, featuring 14 boundaries and eight sixes.
Bhurtel dominated the Malaysian bowling attack from the outset, helping Nepal maintain a rapid scoring rate throughout the innings. His aggressive batting laid the foundation for Nepal’s huge total and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Nepal’s batting unit capitalized on favorable conditions and kept the scoreboard moving at a remarkable pace. Frequent boundaries and smart running between the wickets ensured Malaysia remained under pressure for the entire innings.
Malaysia Struggle During Record Chase
Chasing a target of 276, Malaysia needed a strong start but lost wickets at regular intervals. Their top order failed to cope with Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack, leaving the team struggling early in the innings.
Muhammad Haziq Aiman scored 13 runs, while Aslam Khan was dismissed without opening his account. Muhammad Akram also fell cheaply as Nepal seized control of the contest during the powerplay overs.
The only notable resistance came from Syed Aziz, who played a fighting knock of 54 runs from 45 deliveries. He struck six fours and two sixes and was the lone Malaysian batter to cross the fifty-run mark. However, with wickets falling around him, his efforts were not enough to keep Malaysia in the chase.
Sharvin Muniandy contributed 18 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled against Nepal’s varied bowling attack. Malaysia eventually closed their innings at 108 for 9, falling well short of the target.
Nepal Bowlers Seal a Comprehensive Win
Nepal’s bowlers complemented the batting display with an impressive performance. Sher Malla was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets while conceding just 14 runs in his four-over spell. His early breakthroughs effectively ended Malaysia’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge.
Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with one wicket each, while experienced leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane maintained pressure through the middle overs with economical bowling. Karan KC also contributed with a wicket, and Kushal Malla picked up a late scalp to complete Nepal’s dominant display.
The bowlers consistently hit the right areas and prevented Malaysia from building partnerships, ensuring the target remained out of reach throughout the innings.
Match Summary
The Nepal vs Malaysia encounter turned into a one-sided affair as Nepal showcased their batting firepower and bowling depth. Kushal Bhurtel’s explosive century proved to be the defining moment of the match, while the bowling unit backed up the effort with a clinical performance.
With a convincing 167-run victory, Nepal not only secured valuable points in the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier but also boosted their net run rate significantly. Malaysia, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address their batting concerns before their next fixture.
The result highlights Nepal’s growing strength in T20 cricket and reinforces their status as one of the leading teams competing for qualification in the tournament.
