Rampant Nepal march into ACC U-16 final, eye title defence

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 4: Nepal cruised into the final of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup, outclassing Malaysia by nine wickets in Thursday’s first semi-final at the Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur. With the comprehensive win, the young Rhinos remain on track to retain their crown and will face Singapore in the title decider on 5 July.

Set a modest target of 91, Nepal made light work of the chase—knocking off the runs in just 11.4 overs for the loss of a solitary wicket. The result echoes their dominance in the previous edition’s final against the same opponents, where they had romped home by a mammoth 212 runs.

Opening batter Parimarjan Yadav was in full flow, smashing an unbeaten 59 off 35 balls laced with five fours and five maximums. He stitched a brisk 75-run stand for the second wicket with Shiwansh Bajgain, who remained not out on 23 and struck five boundaries.

The only blemish in Nepal’s innings was the early dismissal of Prahiddha Jaishi (2 off 16), who fell in the 5th over to Malaysia’s lone wicket-taker, Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran.

Malaysia had earlier opted to bat but never recovered from losing their openers in the third over with just four runs on the board. The innings unraveled as wickets tumbled at regular intervals, and they were eventually skittled out for 90 in 43.1 overs.

Nepal's bowling unit was relentless. Abhay Yadav bagged 4 for 15 from his full quota of 10 overs, while Subham Khanal returned miserly figures of 3 for 12, including four maidens. Skipper Bipin Prasad Sharma and Sachin Bhatt chipped in with a wicket apiece.

For Malaysia, Muhammad Fatul Muin top-scored with 38, combining with Shahmil Adam (6 off 31) for a brief 38-run eighth-wicket partnership. Skipper Diaz Patro managed 10, while the rest of the batting card failed to trouble the scorers.

In the second semi-final, Singapore knocked out Hong Kong by four wickets. After bowling Hong Kong out for 168, they chased down the total in 38.5 overs with six wickets down, earning a spot in Saturday’s final.

Nepal head into the clash unbeaten, having already defeated Singapore in the group stages. Singapore, on their part, have overcome every other side barring Nepal.

Group A table-toppers Hong Kong failed to live up to expectations, bowing out before the final. With the Young Rhinos in blistering form, the final promises to be a cracker.

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