HKG vs NEP- Asian Games Qualifier Final – June 8, 2026- Nepal Crowned Champions After Rain-Affected Final Against Hong Kong

Hong Kong Post Competitive 188/7

After being asked to bat first, Hong Kong recovered brilliantly from an early collapse to post a challenging 188/7 in 20 overs.

The innings started poorly as opener Nizakat Khan departed for just 2 runs, followed shortly by star batter Babar Hayat, who was dismissed without scoring. However, Anshy Rath steadied the innings with a magnificent knock of 80 runs from 45 balls, smashing six boundaries and six sixes.

Rath found support from Shiv Mathur, who contributed 26 runs, before wicketkeeper-batter Shahid Wasif accelerated the scoring rate with a blistering 55 off 28 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes.

Hong Kong's late surge helped them reach a formidable total of 188/7.

Nepal Bowling Highlights
Sher Malla: 4/32 (4 overs)
Karan KC: 2/45 (4 overs)
Sandeep Lamichhane: 1/46 (4 overs)

Sher Malla was the standout performer, picking up four crucial wickets and preventing Hong Kong from crossing the 200-run mark.

Rain Changes the Equation

Rain interrupted proceedings during Nepal's chase, forcing officials to revise the target under the DLS method. Nepal required 96 runs from 11.3 overs, turning the contest into a high-pressure sprint.

Kushal Bhurtel Leads Nepal's Charge

Nepal's response was fearless from the outset. Opener Kushal Bhurtel played a match-winning innings of 65 runs from just 40 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes.

Although Aasif Sheikh was dismissed for a duck, Bhurtel continued his assault and built a crucial partnership with Rohit Paudel.

Paudel remained unbeaten on 35 runs from 24 balls, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee finished the match in style with a quickfire 9 not out from 4 deliveries.

Nepal reached 114/2 in 11.3 overs, comfortably surpassing the revised target and sealing a memorable victory.

Hong Kong Bowlers
Ayush Shukla: 1/20
Ehsan Khan: 1/24

Despite their efforts, Hong Kong's bowlers struggled to contain Nepal's aggressive batting lineup.

Player of the Match

Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal)

His explosive 65-run knock laid the foundation for Nepal's successful chase and ultimately proved to be the difference in the final.

Match Summary
Hong Kong – 188/7 (20 Overs)
Anshy Rath: 80 (45)
Shahid Wasif: 55 (28)
Sher Malla: 4/32
Nepal – 114/2 (11.3 Overs, Revised Target 96)
Kushal Bhurtel: 65 (40)
Rohit Paudel: 35* (24)
Result

Nepal won the Asian Games Qualifier Final by successfully chasing the revised DLS target and were crowned champions.

Conclusion

Nepal showcased exceptional composure, power-hitting, and tactical awareness throughout the tournament, culminating in a dominant performance in the final. While Hong Kong produced a strong batting display, Nepal's aggressive approach in the shortened chase ensured they lifted the trophy and secured qualification for the Asian Games.

The victory marks another significant milestone in Nepal cricket's rapid rise on the international stage and highlights the team's growing reputation as one of Asia's most exciting emerging cricket nations.