In the Asian Games qualifier match against Malaysia, Nepal posted a formidable total of 275 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Opening batsman Kushal Bhurtel scored a blazing 126 runs off just 54 balls, becoming the first Nepalese player to achieve back-to-back T20I centuries. Another opener, Asif Sheikh, contributed 68 runs off 24 balls, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee added a quick 31 runs off 11 deliveries. Kathmandu, 4 June – Thanks to Kushal Bhurtel’s record-breaking century, Nepal registered an imposing total in their match against Malaysia during the Asian Games qualifiers. After losing the toss and batting first, Nepal amassed 275 runs in 20 overs for seven wickets. Bhurtel’s innings included 14 boundaries and 8 sixes, showcasing his aggressive stroke play. Asif Sheikh supported well with a 68-run knock from 24 balls. This century marked Bhurtel’s second consecutive T20I hundred and his third overall, having scored a brisk 129 off 43 balls against China earlier in the tournament, where he achieved his first century in just 35 balls. Against Malaysia, Bhurtel reached his century in 44 balls, becoming the first Nepalese and the 10th player worldwide to record consecutive T20I hundreds. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee added a quickfire 31 runs from 11 balls. From the Malaysian side, Virandeep Singh was the most successful bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs. Vijay Unni and Syed Aziz picked up 2 wickets each.
