Sheikh's explosive 161 powers Nepal to crushing nine-wicket win over Malaysia

Opener Aasif Sheikh hammered a blistering 161 off 85 balls as Nepal romped to a nine-wicket victory over hosts Malaysia in a warm-up match at the Selangor Turf Club ground on Tuesday. The demolition job, completed in just 28 overs, served as Nepal's final preparation before the ACC Premier Cup begins in Malaysia next week.

Rain Revises Target, Nepal Unfazed

Malaysia won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 232 all out in 48.2 overs. Nepal's chase of 233 was interrupted by rain, and the target was revised to 228 off 48 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The adjustment proved academic as Nepal's openers tore into the Malaysian attack.

Sheikh's explosive innings featured 12 fours and 12 sixes, anchoring a colossal 220-run partnership with Arjun Kumal, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 82 deliveries. Kumal struck seven boundaries in his patient knock. Dev Khanal was unbeaten on one when Nepal crossed the line.

Lamichhane's Four-Wicket Haul Restricts Malaysia

Earlier, the Malaysian batting lineup struggled against Nepal's varied attack. Muhammad Syahadat Ramli top-scored with 61, while Saifullah Malik contributed 45, Syed Aziz made 40, and Virandeep Singh added 39. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal's bowling effort with four wickets, fast bowler Karan KC claimed two, and spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up a wicket apiece.

ACC Premier Cup and Qualification Stakes

The Nepali squad arrived in Malaysia on Monday following a 10-day training camp in Bengaluru, India. Before travelling to Malaysia, Nepal played two practice matches against Karnataka in India, winning both.

Nepal have been drawn in Group A for the ACC Premier Cup alongside hosts Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Group B comprises the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Singapore. Nepal open their group campaign against Bahrain on 31 August, followed by fixtures against Malaysia on 3 September, Saudi Arabia on 6 September, and Hong Kong on 8 September.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on 10 September, with the third-place play-off and final scheduled for 12 September. The stakes are high: the top three finishers in the tournament will secure qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup.

Asian Games Await

Following their ACC Premier Cup campaign, the Nepal national men's cricket team will travel to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, to compete in the 20th Asian Games. Nepal have been drawn in Group A alongside host nation Japan and Afghanistan. They will open their Asiad campaign against Afghanistan on 25 September before taking on Japan the following day, 26 September.