Nepal defeated Malaysia by nine wickets under the DLS method in an ACC Premier Cup practice match, powered by Asif Sheikh’s explosive 161 from only 85 balls.
Chasing a rain-adjusted target of 228 in 48 overs, Nepal reached the mark in just 28 overs with one wicket lost. It was a ruthless chase, not merely a routine warm-up win.
Asif Sheikh Smashes 161 From 85 Balls
Asif struck 12 fours and 12 sixes during his match-winning innings. His boundary count alone produced 120 runs.
The Nepal opener added 220 runs with Arjun Kumal for the first wicket. Aslam Khan Malik eventually dismissed Asif, but the result was already beyond Malaysia’s reach.
Arjun remained unbeaten on 61, while Dev Khanal finished not out on one.
Sandeep Lamichhane Leads Nepal’s Bowling
Malaysia made 232 before being bowled out in 48.2 overs after choosing to bat first.
Muhammad Syahadat Ramli led the hosts with 61. Saifullah Malik scored 45, Syed Aziz added 40, and Virandeep Singh contributed 39.
Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane took four wickets for 36 runs from 10 overs. Karan KC claimed two wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh Airee collected one each.
What the Victory Means for Nepal
The performance gave Nepal another win before the ACC Premier Cup. Nepal had also won both practice matches against Karnataka in India.
Asif’s innings was the decisive statement. Scoring 161 at nearly two runs per ball showed the attacking intent Nepal needs against stronger tournament attacks.
Nepal will begin its Premier Cup campaign against Bahrain on August 31.
Conclusion
Asif Sheikh’s explosive batting turned Nepal’s chase against Malaysia into a one-sided victory. His 161, the 220-run opening stand with Arjun Kumal, and Sandeep Lamichhane’s four wickets delivered a convincing all-round result before the ACC Premier Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Asif Sheikh score against Malaysia?
Asif Sheikh scored 161 runs from 85 balls, including 12 fours and 12 sixes.
How did Nepal beat Malaysia?
Nepal won by nine wickets under the DLS method after reaching a revised target of 228 in 28 overs.
Who was Nepal’s leading wicket-taker?
Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal’s bowling with four wickets for 36 runs in 10 overs.
Who partnered Asif Sheikh in the opening stand?
Arjun Kumal shared a 220-run opening partnership with Asif and remained unbeaten on 61.
When does Nepal begin the ACC Premier Cup?
Nepal is scheduled to open its campaign against Bahrain on August 31.