SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 26 - Opener Aasif Sheikh smashed an explosive 161 as Nepal cruised to a nine-wicket victory over hosts Malaysia in a warm-up match at the Selangor Turf Club ground on Tuesday.
The match served as final preparation for the upcoming ACC Premier Cup, which begins in Malaysia next week.
The Nepali squad arrived in Malaysia on Monday following a 10-day training camp in Bengaluru, India.
Set a target of 233, Nepal’s chase was briefly interrupted by rain and revised to 228 off 48 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Nepal comfortably reached the target in just 28 overs for the loss of a single wicket.
Sheikh’s blistering 85-ball knock featured 12 fours and 12 sixes.
He anchored a colossal 220-run partnership with Arjun Kumal, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 82 deliveries.
Earlier, Malaysia won the toss and opted to bat first, but were bowled out for 232 in 48.2 overs.
Muhammad Syahadat Ramli top-scored for the hosts with 61, supported by Saifullah Malik (45), Syed Aziz (40), and Virandeep Singh (39).
Captain Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal’s bowling attack, taking four wickets.
Fast bowler Karan KC claimed two, while spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up a wicket apiece.
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 top three finishers in the tournament will secure qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup.
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.
