Nepal crowned Asian Games T20 Qualifiers champions after rain-hit final

Nepal clinched the Asian Games Men's T20 Qualifier title, defeating Hong Kong by 19 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after a rain-interrupted final in Singapore. The victory capped a dominant tournament for Nepal, who had already secured their place in the main Asian Games event.

Chasing a target of 189, Nepal was in a strong position at 114-2 in 11.3 overs when rain halted play at the Sings Oval. With no further play possible, Nepal was declared the winner as they were comfortably ahead of the DLS par score. Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 35 off 24 balls, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee was on 9 from four deliveries, marking his 100th T20 International appearance.

Kushal Bhurtel once again provided a solid start for Nepal, scoring a blistering 65 off 40 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. This innings followed his two centuries earlier in the tournament. After losing Aasif Sheikh for a duck early on, Bhurtel stabilized the innings, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable. Paudel and Airee then guided Nepal to the DLS par score.

Nepal's path to the final included an eight-wicket victory over Oman in the semi-finals. They had dominated the group stage, with commanding wins against China by 221 runs and Malaysia by 167 runs. Along with Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Oman, Nepal will now compete in the main Asian Games tournament in Nagoya, Japan, joining hosts Japan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

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Yes, he has a fight on his hands. He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters.