Kathmandu: Nepal has entered the final of the ACC Men’s U-16 East Zone Cup after a commanding victory over Malaysia by 9 wickets.
According to National News Agency Nepal, in the semi-final match held at Selangor Turf Club, Malaysia, Nepal achieved the 91-run target set by Malaysia in just 11.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Parimarjan Yadav played a crucial role in Nepal’s victory, scoring the highest with 59 runs, including five boundaries and five sixes. Shiwansh Bajgain also contributed significantly with an unbeaten 23 runs. On the bowling front for Malaysia, Nagin Sathnakumaran managed to take one wicket.
Malaysia, having elected to bat first after winning the toss, was restricted to 90 runs, losing all their wickets in 43.1 overs. Muhammad Fathul Fatri was the top scorer for Malaysia with 38 runs, while Captain Deeaz Patro added 10 runs. The rest of the Malaysian batting lineup struggled to reach double digits.
Nepal’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Abhay Yadav, who took four wickets, and Shubham Khanal, who claimed three wickets. Additionally, Captain Bipin Prasad Khanal and Sachin Bhatta took one wicket each, contributing to Malaysia’s limited total.
With this victory, Nepal is set to compete against the winner of the second semi-final between Hong Kong and Singapore. Nepal, who emerged as the Group ‘A’ winner, had previously defeated all its group stage opponents, including Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Bhutan. The team had also clinched the title in last year’s series by defeating Malaysia.