By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Nepal National U-16 Cricket Team clinched the title of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup with a dominant performance against the home side Malaysia. In a one-sided final, Nepal bowled out Malaysia for a mere 31 runs while successfully defending their imposing total of 252 runs.
Malaysia’s pursuit of the challenging target began poorly as they struggled to find their footing against Nepal’s formidable bowling attack. The home side crumbled under pressure and was dismissed in just 14.5 overs. Nepal’s disciplined bowling proved too much for Malaysia to handle, resulting in their dismal total.
Starting with the bat, Nepal posted 252/8 runs in their allotted 35 overs. The highlight of Nepal’s innings was an outstanding century by Naren Bhatta, the team’s Number 3 batsman.
Coming in after the dismissal of opener Suryanshu Koirala, Naren smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes on his way to an unbeaten 112 runs. Suryanshu contributed 18 runs, while Niraj Kumar Yadav fell just three runs short of a half-century, departing for an impressive 47 off 49 deliveries.
Other contributors to Nepal’s total were Dipu Kumar (5), Pratik Bhattarai (1), Santosh Yadav (26), Abhisekh Tiwari (4), Ashok Dhami (11), and Aashish Luhar (2).
Malaysian bowler Muhammad Akram stood out with his impressive performance, claiming three wickets. Meanwhile, Haziq Haiqal, Areean Aqeel, and Muhammad Fathul Muin each took one wicket.
In response, Nepal’s skipper Abhishek Tiwari led the charge with a sensational 5-wicket haul, conceding a mere 7 runs in his 6 overs. Supported by Santosh Yadav, who contributed with 3 wickets, as well as Sagar Gaire and Ashok Dhami, who each took a wicket, Nepal’s bowlers proved to be relentless.
Malaysia’s top order struggled immensely, with opener Muhammad Asyqal departing for a golden duck, followed by Hamzah Panggi, Haziq Haiqal, Areean Aqeel, and Muhammad Fathul Muin, who all returned to the pavilion with a duck against their names.
Muhammad Aalif 2, Mohammad Hairil 4, Muhammad Asyraf Rifaie 7, Muhammad Akram 10, Muhammad Muqri 1 run, and Khairi Mujahid* added 1 run to Malaysia’s paltry total.
