On April 10, 2025, Nepal defeated Kuwait by an impressive 6 wickets in a thrilling game at the Four-Nation T20 International Cricket Championship in Hong Kong. Thanks to outstanding efforts by openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, Nepal was able to chase down a difficult 186-run target in only 18.5 overs during the match, which was played at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. After defeating Qatar by eight wickets on April 9, Nepal has now won two straight in the Quadrangular T20I series.
Nepal’s Chase Led by Burtell & Shaikh
Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh’s powerful 127-run opening combo led Nepal’s chase and set the stage for the win. Bhurtel won Player of the Match after smashing an incredible 81 runs off 50 balls, including six fours and six sixes. Sheikh hit two fours and four sixes in his superb 53 off 38 balls to support him. Early on, their aggressive batting destroyed Kuwait’s bowling assault.
With a rapid 31 from only 12 balls, which included three sixes and two fours, Dipendra Singh Airee added the final touch and made sure they easily crossed the finish line. To complete the chase in 18.5 overs, captain Rohit Paudel (4) and Gulsan Jha (9) stayed undefeated.
Kuwait’s Competitive Total of 185/8
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Kuwait posted a competitive 185/8 in their 20 overs. Openers Clinto Anto and Ravija Sandaruwan gave them a steady start, scoring 41 and 26 runs, respectively. Anto’s knock included four boundaries and two sixes, while Sandaruwan played a supporting role. Middle-order batters Meet Bhavsar (35) and Bilal Tahir (32) kept the momentum going, with captain Mohammed Aslam (17*) and Yasin Patel (3*) adding late runs.
Their bowling attack was led by pacer Sompal Kami, who claimed 3 crucial wickets, continuing his fine form after a 3-wicket haul against the USA in 2024 (as per this article.). Nandan Yadav supported with 2 wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel chipped in with one wicket each, ensuring Kuwait didn’t run away with the game.
Nepal’s Winning Streak in the T20I Series
This victory marks Nepal’s second straight win in the Quadrangular T20I series, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. On April 9, Nepal had defeated Qatar by 8 wickets, with Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel again playing pivotal roles. Nepal’s consistent performances in the series highlight their growing prowess in T20 cricket, especially with players like Sompal Kami, who has a history of impactful contributions, including a five-wicket haul in an ODI against the Netherlands in 2018 (Wikipedia, 2024).
What’s Next for Nepal in the Championship?
With two wins under their belt, Nepal is in a strong position in the Four-Nation T20I Championship. Their next match against Hong Kong on April 12, 2025, will be crucial as they aim to maintain their winning streak. Kuwait, on the other hand, will look to bounce back after this defeat, having previously lost to Bahrain by 4 runs in the Gulf T20I Championship (AiScore, 2025).
Conclusion: Nepal’s Road to T20 Glory
Their 6-wicket win over Kuwait on April 10, 2025, is a testament to their batting depth and bowling discipline. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh’s explosive opening stand, combined with Sompal Kami’s fiery bowling, has put Nepal in the driver’s seat in the Hong Kong T20I Championship. As the tournament progresses, Nepal will look to carry this momentum forward and solidify their reputation as a rising force in international cricket.
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