In the Asian Games cricket event, Nepal defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets, successfully chasing a target of 103 runs in 17.2 overs. Captain Deependra Singh Airey stated that the team is progressing with the goal of securing a medal and praised the outstanding performance. Kushal Bhurtel took 4 wickets and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed 3 wickets, helping Nepal restrict Afghanistan to 102 runs in 20 overs.
Kathmandu, 25 September – After defeating Afghanistan in the first cricket match of the 20th Asian Games, Nepal’s captain Deependra Singh Airey expressed that the team is advancing with a strong objective to win a medal. Nepal successfully chased the target of 103 runs in 17.2 overs while losing 5 wickets. Notable contributions came from Sandeep Jora with 34 runs, Rohit Paudel unbeaten on 33, and Deependra himself scoring 15 runs.
Following the match, Deependra commented that the toss does not determine the outcome of the game and Nepal maintained pressure on their opponents from the start. “The toss is beyond our control. Although we were prepared to bat first, the opposition chose to bat. We then delivered an excellent bowling performance,” he explained.
Nepal bowled out Afghanistan for 102 runs in 20 overs, losing 7 wickets. Kushal Bhurtel took 4 wickets while Lalit Rajbanshi secured 3 wickets. Deependra highlighted how the spinners played a decisive role. “We expected our spinners to perform well. Lalit and Kushal bowled excellently, which helped us keep the opposition’s score low. That made chasing the target easier,” he said.
On his own batting, Deependra stated that he adopted a strategy suited to the match situation, playing with less risk and ensuring stability to guide the team to victory. “I planned to stay at the crease for a long time and lead the team to victory, so I did not take many risks,” he added.
The final group stage match will be played against Japan on Saturday. With a victory, Nepal will top the group and face Sri Lanka in the quarterfinals. “Tomorrow’s match is crucial. There is both turn and bounce on the pitch, so we are preparing accordingly,” Deependra said.
Expressing full confidence in the team’s chances of winning a medal, he affirmed, “Our team is fully prepared and experienced. We have given 100 percent to bring home a medal.”
Kushal Bhurtel, who took 4 wickets, expressed satisfaction at contributing to the team with his bowling, despite being dismissed for zero runs while batting. “Wherever we go, we receive great support from Nepali fans. I feel even more love here than in China,” said Bhurtel. “My batting wasn’t good today, but I’m happy to have contributed through bowling.”
