Nepal secured a triumphant start in the Asian qualifiers for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, claiming an impressive 8-wicket win against Singapore at the Tribhuwan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Nepal successfully chased down Singapore’s target of 146 runs, losing only 2 wickets in 16.3 overs.
Scorecard – Nepal vs Singapore
Opener Kushal Bhurtel delivered a stellar performance, smashing 8 fours and 2 sixes off 48 balls, amassing an impressive 74 runs. This marks Kushal’s seventh T20 International half-century, which he achieved in just 26 balls.
Aasif Shaikh, Nepal’s other opener, contributed 27 runs, hitting 2 fours and 1 six off 26 balls. Kushal and Aasif established an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, making Nepal’s progress seem effortless.
Captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten at 35 runs in 24 balls, while Kushal Malla faced just one ball and managed to hit a six.
Earlier in the morning, Singapore, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted 145 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.
Despite losing captain Aritra Dutta in the first over, Singapore managed to form a 52-run partnership for the second wicket. Sandeep Lamichhane took the second wicket for Nepal, exerting pressure on Singapore by dismissing Surendran Chandramohan for 6 runs in the fifth ball of the sixth over.
Gulsan Jha took 2 wickets in the eighth over, further tilting the game in Nepal’s favor. Gulsan had Rohan Rangarajan caught by Sundeep Jora for 46 runs, with Roh
