Nepal Cruise to Third Straight Win, Crush Hong Kong by 9 Wickets
Nepal continued their dominant run in the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier with a convincing 9-wicket victory over Hong Kong on Wednesday, bringing them within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 U-19 World Cup.
Playing at the TU Lower Ground in Mulpani, Nepal chased down the modest target of 116 runs in just 12.3 overs, losing only one wicket in the process. This win marked Nepal’s third consecutive victory in the tournament, following earlier wins against UAE and Oman.
With this result, Nepal now face a high-stakes clash against Afghanistan on Saturday. A win in that match will seal their qualification for the 2026 U-19 World Cup, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
In the chase, opener Sahil Patel remained unbeaten on 42 off 41 balls, hitting 8 fours. His partner, Nirajkumar Yadav, struck 23 off 12 balls with 4 boundaries before getting out. Captain Naren Bhatta played a fluent knock of 39 not out off just 23 deliveries, smashing 8 fours and finishing the match in style.
Earlier in the day, Nepal won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their decision paid off as Hong Kong were bowled out for just 115 in 46.2 overs.
Hong Kong captain Shiv Mathur was the lone warrior for his side, scoring 63 off 116 balls with 4 fours and a six. Arya Panjwani made 13, while Veer Mathur added 12.
Nepal’s leg-spinner Yuvraj Khatri was the star with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his 10 overs, including an incredible 44 dot balls. Bipin Prasad Sharma picked up 3 wickets for 24 runs in 6.2 overs, while Santosh Yadav contributed with 2 wickets.
The tournament features five teams – Nepal, Afghanistan, UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman – battling for a single qualification spot. Only the team finishing at the top of the table will secure a place in the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup.
Nepal’s biggest challenge now lies ahead against a strong Afghanistan side. If they manage to win on Saturday (19th April), Nepal will qualify for their ninth U-19 World Cup appearance. Nepal last participated in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa in 2024. Previously, Nepal featured in five consecutive World Cups from 2000 to 2008, and also played in 2012 and 2016 editions.
Nepal’s final match of the tournament will be played against Afghanistan at TU Lower Ground, Mulpani.
