Nepal off to a flying start at Asian Games with win over Afghanistan
Nepal opened their Asian Games cricket campaign with a comfortable five-wicket win over Afghanistan in Group A, chasing down a modest target with balls to spare at Korogi Sports Park on September 25.
Chasing 103, Nepal lost early wickets under pressure from Afghanistan's bowlers, slipping to 31 for three inside seven overs. Sundeep Jora then anchored the innings with a well-made 34 before being run out with the total on 56.
Rohit Paudel guided Nepal home from there, striking an unbeaten 33 off 32 balls including four boundaries. Dipendra Singh Airee supported with 15 before falling agonisingly close to the target, and Gulsan Jha finished things off in the 18th over.
Earlier, Afghanistan were sent in to bat and never found their rhythm against disciplined Nepali spin.
Lalit Rajbanshi struck twice inside the powerplay, reducing the innings to 16 for three inside five overs and setting the tone for a testing day at the crease.
Faisal Shinwazada and Najibullah Zadran repaired some of the damage with a 39-run stand, both contributing 30 runs apiece before Kushal Bhurtel intervened. His four-wicket haul, conceding just 21 runs, triggered another slide that left Afghanistan struggling for a competitive total.
A late flourish from Nangeyalia Kharote, who struck three fours in an unbeaten knock, helped push Afghanistan past three figures. They eventually closed on 102 for seven from their 20 overs, a total Nepal chased down with relative ease.
Friday's result extends an unusual record for Afghanistan against Nepal. The two sides had met only once before, at the 2014 T20 World Cup, where Nepal came out on top.
Barring India, Nepal remains the only side Afghanistan have yet to beat in international cricket.
The win marks Nepal's opening fixture of the tournament, while Afghanistan were playing their second match after already having beaten Japan.
Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman make up Group B, with the top sides from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.