Nepal defeats Hong Kong in U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 17: Nepal triumphed over Hong Kong in the Under-19 World Cup One Day International Cricket Asia Qualifiers 2026, held at the Mulpani International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Nepal won the match by 9 wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 115 runs in just 12.3 overs, finishing with 118 runs.

Shahil Patel was unbeaten on 42 runs from 41 balls, while Naren Bhatta contributed 39 not out from 23 balls. Hong Kong's Shayan Puri was the only bowler to claim a wicket, dismissing Niraj Kumar Yadav, who scored 23 runs off 12 balls.

On the batting side, Hong Kong's Shiv Mathur was their top scorer, making 63 runs off 116 balls. Nepal's bowler Yubraj Kharti was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his 10-over spell.

Nepal’s next match will be against Afghanistan on Saturday, 19th April. This match is crucial, as the winner will secure the sole qualification spot for the U19 World Cup.

The winner of this Division 1 event will qualify for the U19 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.