Nepal defeated Maldives by 75 runs in the Asian Games cricket on Monday to confirm a berth in quarterfinals.
Although Nepal lost to Hong Kong by 30 runs on Sunday, heavy win against Maldives improved the run-rate and regardless of the result of the match between Hong Kong and Maldives, Nepal will finish among top two of the group.
If Hong Kong defeat Maldives, Nepal as group runners-up will play Sri Lanka in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The group winner will play Afghanistan. If Maldives defeats Hong Kong, then run-rate will come into play.
On Sunday, Nepal scored 129/9 and restricted Maldives for 54/8 to register a big win.
Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first. Binod Bhandari improved as opener as he topscored with 32. Paras Khadka (25) also helped for the defendable total of 129/9.
Maldivian bowlers restricted the run-flow in last 10 overs after Nepal scored 71/3 in first 10 overs. Basant Regmi (15), Sharad Vesawkar (14), Mahesh Chhetri (10) and Prithu Baskota (9) contributed to the total.
Hassan Ibrahim, Rasheed Jilwaz and Mihusan Hamid each grabbed two wickets for Maldives.
Maldives failed to match the batting against Nepali bowling. Although Shafraz Jaleel (13) and Ahmed Hassan (11) partnered 23 for second wicket, there were no other significant contributions. Maldives could only manage 54/8.
Spinner Rahul Viswakarma claimed 3 wickets while Prithu got two wickets for Nepal.
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