Nepal vs Kuwait: Nepal ended as the runner-up in the Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series after a close 3-run loss to Kuwait. The final took place at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, on April 13, 2025.
Nepal’s Chase Falls Short Despite a Strong Effort
Chasing a target of 175 runs set by Kuwait, Nepal was all out for 171 runs in 19.3 overs. In the final over, Nepal needed 11 runs to win. Kuwait’s Anudeep Chenthamara bowled the last over.
On the first delivery, Chenthamara bowled a no-ball, which Basir Ahamad hit for a six, raising hopes for Nepal.
Basir Ahamad’s Brilliant Innings Not Enough for Victory
After the six, Nepal required just 4 runs from 6 balls. However, Basir played two dot balls and was caught on the third, ending Nepal’s chances. Basir scored 80 runs off 43 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Nandan Yadav contributed 37 runs from 14 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes. Opener Aasif Sheikh added 21 runs, but other batters failed to reach double digits.
Record Ninth-Wicket Partnership Brings Nepal Close
At one point, Nepal was struggling at 92 for 8. Basir Ahamad and Nandan Yadav then built a 72-run partnership for the ninth wicket, the highest for Nepal in T20Is and the fifth-highest overall. The world record for the ninth wicket in T20Is is 132* by Belgium’s Saber Zakhil and Saklain Ali against Austria in 2021.
Nepal’s Batting Collapse Overshadowed by Basir’s Performance
Despite a poor start, Basir’s aggressive batting kept Nepal in the game. With support from Nandan Yadav, Nepal came close to an unexpected win but couldn’t finish the match successfully.
Kuwait’s Strong Start with Bat and Ball
Kuwait began strongly in both batting and bowling. Although Nepal’s bowlers made a comeback, Kuwait managed to set a competitive target.
Nepal attempted a recovery in their batting innings but faltered during the crucial finishing moments.
Key Performances by Kuwait Bowlers
Anudeep Chenthamara was the standout bowler for Kuwait, taking 3 crucial wickets. Yasin Patel and Naveenraj Rajendran supported well, grabbing 2 wickets each to halt Nepal’s progress.
Kuwait’s Batting Highlights
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Kuwait scored 174 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.
Kuwait started aggressively, scoring 71 runs in the Powerplay and reaching 100 runs in just 9 overs. Nepal conceded their highest ever Powerplay runs in T20I history, surpassing the previous record of 63 runs conceded against India during the 19th Asian Games.
Kuwait appeared set to score over 200 runs, but Nepal’s bowlers fought back, limiting them to 74 runs in the final 11 overs.
Top Scorers for Kuwait
Ravija Sandaruwan scored 63 runs from 36 balls, hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes. Clinto Anto added 26 runs from 14 balls, and Usman Patel contributed 23 runs from 15 balls. Meet Bhavsar also scored 16 runs from just 8 balls.
Nepal’s Bowling Performance
For Nepal, Sompal Kami bowled 4 overs, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs. Nandan Yadav also took 2 wickets, conceding 34 runs in his 4 overs. Karan KC and Kushal Bhurtel took 1 wicket each.
