Opener Arjun Kumal and Dev Khanal’s centuries, along with Akash Chand’s 6-wicket haul, helped Nepal clinch a resounding 243-run victory over Kuwait in the ICC U-19 Asia Cup Qualifiers. With this win, Nepal has strengthened its chances of playing in the U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2024.
Chasing a daunting target of 344 runs, Kuwait were bundled out for just 100 runs in 30.5 overs. Jude Christopher Saldana top-scored for Kuwait with 26 runs, while Akash Chand wreaked havoc, picking up 6 wickets for 43 runs in 9.5 overs. Hemant Dhami and Dipesh Kandel also picked up 2 wickets each for Nepal.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Malek Cricket Ground, Nepal amassed 343 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Dev Khanal and Arjun Kumal starred with the bat, both scoring centuries in the same innings, which is a first for Nepali cricket.
Captain Dev Khanal scored a brilliant 125 off 117 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes, while 17-year-old opener Arjun Kumal scored his maiden century, a well-crafted 112 off 107 balls with 12 fours. The duo put up a mammoth 170-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the stage for a huge total.
Nepal got off to a shaky start, losing opener Deepak Bohra early for 13 runs. However, Arjun Kumal and Deepak Bohra steadied the ship, adding 40 runs in 8.4 overs. After the dismissal of Akash Tripathi for just 2 runs, Khanal and Kumal took control of the game and dominated the Kuwaiti bowlers.
Henry Thomas was the pick of the Kuwaiti bowlers, picking up 2 wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs. Arsh Sahil Kazmi also chipped in with 2 wickets for 42 runs in his 9 overs.
Nepal will play their next match against Hong Kong on February 15, followed by matches against Malaysia on February 16 and UAE on February 18. The U-19 matches will be played at Irden Garden and Malek Cricket Stadium in Azman. The winner of the single-round round-robin tournament will be eligible to play in the U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2024.
