Nepal secures 2026 Asian Games cricket spot with record wins

Nepal has secured qualification for the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament following a dominant performance in the qualifying event in Singapore. The team’s path was confirmed after Malaysia defeated China in Group A, ensuring both nations advanced to the main event scheduled for late September to early October in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Nepal’s campaign was highlighted by a record-setting 221-run victory over China in its opening match on May 31. The team posted a mammoth total of 313 for 2, becoming the first side to record multiple scores over 300 in men’s T20 cricket history. Opener Kushal Bhurtel was instrumental, scoring 129 runs from just 43 balls, a knock that included hitting six sixes in a single over.

Bhurtel continued his exceptional form in Nepal’s subsequent match against Malaysia on June 4. After Nepal was put in to bat, he scored his second consecutive century, finishing with 126 runs from 54 deliveries, including 14 fours and eight sixes. His opening partner, Aasif Sheikh, provided a blistering 68 from 24 balls. Nepal set a target of 275, which proved insurmountable as Malaysia was bowled out for 108, sealing a 167-run win for Nepal.