Kushal Bhurtel powers Nepal to a record chase

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 10, 2025

Nepal chased down 186 against Kuwait at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong to record their highest successful chase in T20 internationals and register their second win of the Quadrangular Series.

Opting to bowl first, Nepal had a rough start. Known for their discipline in the field, they conceded 43 runs in the first four overs, with misfields and dropped catches allowing Kuwait to build early momentum.

Clinto Anto led Kuwait’s innings with 41 off 30 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. He was supported by Meet Bhavsar, who added 35 from 28 deliveries. Late cameos from Bilal Tahir and captain Mohammed Aslam lifted Kuwait to 185 for 8, giving their bowlers something to defend.

Nepal’s bowlers managed to pull things back in the middle overs. Sompal Kami finished with three wickets for 36 in his four overs, while Nandan Yadav claimed two scalps. Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel chipped in with a wicket each, while Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee went wicketless.

Nepal’s chase was built on a record-breaking opening stand. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh put together 127 for the first wicket, Nepal’s highest-ever opening partnership in T20Is, laying the foundation for a comfortable chase. Bhurtel, who was named Player of the Match, top- scored with 81 off 50 balls, including six fours and as many sixes, while Aasif made 53 off 38, hitting two fours and four sixes.

Though both openers were dismissed before crossing the finishing line, Nepal remained firmly in control. Dipendra Singh Airee finished the game with a brisk 31* off just 12 balls, sealing the win with seven balls to spare. Airee’s innings also saw him extend his run to 66 consecutive T20I innings without a duck, the longest such streak in men’s T20 internationals.

For Kuwait, Yasin Patel was the most successful bowler, picking up 2 for 17, while skipper Mohammed Aslam and Mohammad Shafeeq took one wicket each.

With two wins from two, Nepal are now almost certain to reach the final of the tournament and will face hosts Hong Kong in their final group match on Saturday.