ACC Premier Cup: Nepal's graceful win against Malaysia

KATHMANDU, April 18: In the ACC Premier Cup that started today at the TU Cricket ground, the host Nepal has emerged victorious over the visiting team Malaysia. 

Nepal, fielding first, defeated Malaysia by 6 wickets. Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami took 3 wickets each. Similarly, Lalit Rajbanshi took 2 wickets while Gulshan Jha took 1 wicket.

Nepal, who came into batting in response, won a brilliant victory over Malaysia by 6 wickets with 82 balls remaining. Batsman Kushal Malla batted explosively in the middle order. He scored 70 runs in 40 balls with the help of 5 sixes and 5 fours. Similarly, Bhim Sarki scored 70 runs in 98 balls.

The Nepali team was under pressure when Asif Khan, who came to bat first and scored 1 run in 3 balls, returned to the pavilion. However, opener batsman Kushal Bhurtel brought Nepal back into the rhythm by scoring 38 runs in 31 balls. Similarly, captain Rohit Paudel scored 42 runs and Dipendra Singh Airy scored 5 runs.

Nepal will be playing in the Asia Cup if it wins this tournament.