Nepal book Asian Games spot after Malaysia thrash China

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, June 3: The Nepal men's national cricket team have qualified for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, courtesy of Malaysia’s victory over China at the Asian Games Qualifier in Singapore on Tuesday.

Following two successive defeats, China's Asian Games hopes are over, meaning Malaysia and Nepal qualify for the continental tournament from Group A. 

Because Group A was reduced to just three teams following Qatar's withdrawal, Nepal and Malaysia have qualified after winning just one match each.

Nepal had thrashed China by a massive 221 runs in their opener on 31 May, and Malaysia followed suit with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the same opponents.

After putting China in to bat at Singapore National Cricket Ground, Malaysia restricted them to 84 for nine in their 20 overs. 

Zong Yuechao (29) and Yang Wangjie (18) were the only batsmen to reach double figures for China. Vijay Unni was the pick of the bowlers for Malaysia, returning economical figures of four for eight.

Pavandeep Singh claimed two wickets, while Syed Aziz and Virandeep Singh took one apiece in a dismantling of the Chinese batting line-up.

Malaysia chased down the target in just 7.5 overs, finishing on 85 for the loss of one wicket. Opener Muhammad Haziq Aiman top-scored with an unbeaten 44, whilst fellow opener Aslam Khan (18) and Muhammad Akram (10 not out) also contributed to the comfortable win.

The match between Malaysia and Nepal on 4 June will now decide the Group A winners. The top two teams from Group A and Group B will advance to the semi-finals, with all four semi-finalists securing a spot at the Asian Games. 

Group B comprises Singapore, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Oman, with Hong Kong and Oman currently sitting on two points each.

Meanwhile, Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and all-rounders Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel are set to feature in the upcoming Lanka Premier League.

During the player draft held in Sri Lanka on Monday night, Jaffna Kings signed both Lamichhane and Airee under the Associate Stars category.

Meanwhile, Bhurtel was snapped up by Colombo Caps. Lamichhane is secured on a contract worth $20,000, while Airee and Bhurtel have both been signed for $15,000 each.