Cricket Match Highlights | Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series, 2025 (Match 1) – 09 April: Nepal vs Qatar | NEP demolished QAT by 8 wickets in the first fixture

NEP vs QAT (Match 1) – Highlights 

In the opening match of the Quadrangular T20 Series held in Mong Kok on April 9, 2025, Nepal kicked off their campaign in style with a dominant 8-wicket win over Qatar, chasing down a target of 152 in just 17 overs. After Qatar posted a respectable 151/5, Nepal’s top order made light work of the chase, thanks to a blistering start from Kushal Bhurtel, who smashed 38 off just 19 balls. His explosive innings set the tone early, earning him the Player of the Match award. With 18 balls to spare, Nepal’s commanding performance underlined their intent in the tournament and gave them a strong start in the series.

In their 20 overs, Qatar posted a total of 151/5 against Nepal. Ikramullah Khan (c) was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a steady 54 off 54 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Despite his solid knock, Qatar’s innings lacked significant partnerships, and they were frequently pegged back by some excellent bowling.

Shahzaib Jamil contributed a quick 31 off 21 balls, hitting 4 sixes, but the middle-order struggled to accelerate further. Arumugaganesh Nagarajan (13) and Rifayi Theruvath (6) failed to provide the necessary momentum, while Jassim Khan went for just 4. However, late fireworks from Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (20* off 19 balls) and Mohammed Irshad (18* off 7 balls) helped Qatar reach a competitive total of 151/5, but it wasn’t enough.

In the bowling department, Karan KC was the most economical bowler, taking 1 wicket for 30 runs in his 4 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 7.50. Sompal Kami also contributed with the ball, claiming 1 wicket for 27 runs in his 4 overs at 6.75 RPO.

Nandan Yadav added another wicket to the tally, finishing with 1/28 in 4 overs, while Gulsan Jha was slightly expensive, going for 24 runs in his 2 overs, but still managed to take a wicket. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled a brilliant spell of 1/12 in 2 overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.00. Dipendra Singh Airee also bowled his full quota of 4 overs, taking no wickets but keeping things tight with 26 runs at an economy rate of 6.50. Overall, Nepal’s bowlers kept the pressure on Qatar, especially in the middle overs, and restricted their total effectively.

Nepal successfully chased down the target of 152 set by Qatar in just 17 overs, finishing with a total of 154/2. The chase was anchored by Kushal Bhurtel, who blasted 38 off 19 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 200.00 before falling to Mujeeb-ur-Rehman.

Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 off 21 balls, with 4 sixes, but was also dismissed by Mujeeb-ur-Rehman. With the chase well within reach, Rohit Paudel (c) played a calm and steady knock, finishing on 37 off 29 balls*, supported by Basir Ahamad, who remained unbeaten on 30 off 33 balls*. The duo guided Nepal to an easy victory with 18 balls remaining, with 16 extras adding to Qatar’s woes. The win was a well-rounded team effort, with strong contributions from both the top and middle order.

In the bowling department, Qatar couldn’t contain the Nepalese batting line-up as they were successfully chased down in just 17 overs.

Mujeeb-ur-Rehman was the pick of the bowlers for Qatar, finishing with 2 wickets for 12 runs in his 3 overs, maintaining a miserly economy rate of 4.00. His efforts were key in keeping the match within reach for a while.

Bukhar Illikkal was also effective, conceding just 18 runs in 4 overs and maintaining a fantastic economy rate of 4.50. Unfortunately, he couldn’t grab a wicket, but his tight spell helped control the run flow.

Muhammad Jabir (2 overs, 27 runs, no wickets), Bipin Kumar (4 overs, 39 runs, no wickets), and Ikramullah Khan (1 over, 21 runs, no wickets) all had somewhat expensive outings, conceding runs at rates above 9.00 per over.

Arumugaganesh Nagarajan bowled 2 overs for 20 runs, with a rate of 10.00 per over, while Mohammed Irshad was also expensive, giving away 17 runs in just 1 over.

Despite some tight bowling from Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and Bukhar Illikkal, the lack of consistent breakthroughs meant that Nepal comfortably chased the target.

Nepal vs Qatar Scoreboard

Qatar – 151/5 (20.0)

Nepal  – 154/2 (17.0)

Result – Nepal won by 8 wickets

Player of the match – Kushal Bhurtel

NEP vs QAT Playing XIs

Nepal

Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh (wk), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kami, Kushal Bhurtel, Lalit Rajbanshi,  Kushal Malla,  Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Basir Ahamad

Qatar

Mohammad Ikramullah Khan (c), Shahzaib Jamil (wk), Muhammad Jabir,  Bipin Kumar, Mohammed Irshad, Bukhar Illikkal,  Rifayi Theruvath, Jassim Khan, Arumugaganesh Nagarajan, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Mohammad Abrar

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit BJSports to access our comprehensive Match Highlights, insightful analysis, and updates. Connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!

habiba sultana

See Full Bio