Nepal register hat-trick of wins in the U19 World Cup Qualifiers

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 16, 2025

Nepal got the better of Hong Kong by nine wickets to continue their unbeaten streak in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifiers, registering their third consecutive win on Wednesday.

After winning the toss at Lower Mulpani International Cricket Ground, Nepal elected to bowl first and restricted Hong Kong to just 115 — a total that was comfortably chased down in 12.3 overs.

Captain Shiv Mathur was the lone warrior for Hong Kong, compiling a calm and composed 63 off 116 deliveries with four boundaries and a six. None of the other Hong Kong batters made any significant contribution.

Nepal’s spinners dominated again, with Yuvraj Khatri leading the way. Carrying his form from the previous match, he returned with figures of 4 for 18 from his 10-over spell. Bipin Sharma, playing his first match of the tournament, impressed with 3 for 24, while Santosh Yadav claimed two and Ashok Dhami picked up one.

In the chase, Nepal's openers laid a solid foundation with a 55-run stand inside the first six overs. Niraj Yadav smashed 23 off 12 balls, while Sahil Patel top-scored with a fluent 42 off 41 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries to steer Nepal home.

Shayan Puri was the only wicket-taker for Hong Kong.

Nepal will now face Afghanistan on Saturday at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground in what will effectively be the final. With both sides unbeaten so far, the winner will seal the lone qualification spot for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.