Nepal Crowned Asian Games Qualifiers Champions! Hong Kong Crushed by 19 Runs (DLS)

KATHMANDU: Nepal has clinched the Asian Games Qualifiers title in spectacular fashion, defeating Hong Kong by 19 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a high-stakes final today.

Chasing a daunting 189-run target set by Hong Kong, Nepal was cruising at 114/2 in 11.3 overs before heavy rain halted play in Singapore. With no further action possible, match officials invoked the DLS method, declaring Nepal the undisputed champions.

Opener Kushal Bhurtel turned the game on its head with a blistering 65 runs, setting the perfect foundation for the chase. Skipper Rohit Paudel played a crucial anchor role with a solid 35 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee was on the crease with 9 runs when the downpour began.

Earlier, after being put to bat first, Hong Kong posted a formidable 188/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Anshuman Rath played a magnificent knock of 80 runs, well-supported by Shahid Wasif’s half-century (55 runs).

However, it was spinner Sher Malla who stole the show for Nepal, derailing Hong Kong's momentum with a brilliant 4-wicket haul. Karan KC chipped in with 2 wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 1 wicket.

With this victory, Nepal finishes the high-octane tournament with a flawless, unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Malaysia secured the third spot after defeating Oman by 8 wickets.