Nepal beat China by 221 runs, Bhurtel hits six sixes

Nepal delivered a commanding performance in their opening match of the 2026 Asian Games Men’s T20 Qualifier, defeating China by 221 runs in Singapore on Sunday. The victory was powered by a record-breaking batting display, highlighted by opener Kushal Bhurtel hitting six consecutive sixes in a single over.

After China won the toss and elected to field, Nepal posted a formidable total of 313 for 2 in their 20 overs. Bhurtel was the centerpiece of the innings, scoring 129 runs from just 43 deliveries. His explosive knock included 16 sixes, with a defining moment coming in the ninth over when he struck six legal deliveries from left-arm spinner Chen Zhuo Yue over the boundary. This achievement makes Bhurtel the sixth batter in men’s T20 International history to hit six sixes in an over and the second from Nepal, following Dipendra Singh Airee’s feat against Qatar in 2024.

Bhurtel’s century came from 35 balls, equaling the joint-seventh fastest in T20Is. He was well-supported by Kushal Malla, who remained unbeaten on 85 from 47 balls, and captain Rohit Paudel, who smashed 69 not out from 21 deliveries. Their collective effort propelled Nepal past the 300-run mark for the second time...