Kushal Bhurtel’s consecutive hundred headlines Nepal’s comfortable win

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 04, 2026

Kushal Bhurtel’s explosive century headlined another strong batting display as Nepal registered a 167-run win over Malaysia in Singapore to finish Group A as table toppers in the Asian Games Qualifier on Thursday.

After being invited to bat first, Nepal continued their aggressive form following their 313-run outing against China, posting 275/7 in 20 overs.

Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh set the tone with a 95-run powerplay and went on to add a record 134-run opening partnership for Nepal in T20Is.

Aasif Sheikh scored 68 off 24 balls, reaching a 17-ball fifty with seven sixes and five boundaries.

Bhurtel, meanwhile, created history by becoming the first Nepali batter to score consecutive international centuries. He smashed 126 off 54 balls, hitting eight sixes and 14 fours.

Dipendra Singh Airee added further momentum with a blistering 31 off 11 balls, including four sixes, to push Nepal to a commanding total.

In reply, Malaysia could only manage 108/9, with captain Syed Aziz top-scoring with 54 off 45 balls.

Sher Malla led the bowling effort for Nepal with 3/14 from four overs, while Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC and Kushal Malla took a wicket each.

Nepal will now play the semi-finals on Sunday having already sealed the place in the Asian Games which will be hosted by Japan on September.