NU
Fri, 04 July 2025
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Nepal has emphatically cruised into the final of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup, outclassing Malaysia by nine wickets in Thursday’s first semi-final at the Selangor Turf Club. This comprehensive victory keeps the young Rhinos firmly on track to retain their crown, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Singapore in the title decider on Saturday, July 5.
Set a modest target of 91 runs after a formidable Nepali bowling performance, Nepal made light work of the chase, knocking off the runs in just 11.4 overs for the loss of a solitary wicket. This dominant result echoed their performance in the previous edition's final against the same opponents, where they secured a mammoth 212-run victory.
Opening batter Parimarjan Yadav was in scintillating form, smashing an unbeaten 59 runs off just 35 balls, a knock laced with five fours and five maximums. He forged a brisk 75-run partnership for the second wicket with Shiwansh Bajgain, who remained not out on 23 runs, including five boundaries. The only minor setback in Nepal’s innings was the early dismissal of Prahiddha Jaishi for 2 runs off 16 balls, who fell in the fifth over to Malaysia’s lone wicket-taker, Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran.
Earlier, Malaysia, having opted to bat first, never recovered from losing their openers in the third over with just four runs on the board. Their innings unraveled as wickets tumbled at regular intervals, leading to them being skittled out for just 90 runs in 43.1 overs. Nepal’s bowling unit was relentless, showcasing tight lines, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding that prevented Malaysia from building any significant partnerships.
Abhay Yadav led the charge with an excellent spell, bagging 4 wickets for just 15 runs from his full quota of 10 overs. He was ably supported by Subham Khanal, who returned miserly figures of 3 wickets for 12 runs in 10 overs, including four maidens. Skipper Bipin Prasad Sharma and Sachin Bhatt (also spelled Sachin Bhatta) chipped in with a wicket apiece, while Suyog Bhattarai bowled tightly, conceding only 25 runs in his nine overs.
For Malaysia, Muhammad Fatul Muin (also spelled Muhammad Fathul Muin) top-scored with 38 runs off 71 balls, forming a brief 38-run eighth-wicket partnership with Shahmil Adam (6 off 31). Skipper Diaz Patro (also spelled Deeaz Patro) managed 10 runs, while the rest of the batting card failed to trouble the scorers.
In the second semi-final, Singapore knocked out Hong Kong by four wickets. After bowling Hong Kong out for 168 runs in 43 overs, Singapore successfully chased down the total in 38.5 overs with six wickets down, earning their spot in Saturday’s final.
Nepal heads into the championship clash unbeaten in the tournament, having already defeated Singapore by six wickets in the group stages on June 22. Singapore, who advanced to the semifinals as runners-up from the same group as Nepal, has overcome every other side they have faced.
Group A table-toppers Hong Kong failed to live up to expectations, bowing out before the final. With the Young Rhinos in blistering form, the final promises to be a cracker, as Nepal looks to successfully defend their ACC U-16 East Zone Cup title.
