Nepal vs Qatar T20I 2025: Nepal Crush Qatar by 8 Wickets in Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series Opener

Nepal Crush Qatar by 8 Wickets in Opening Clash of Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series 2025

Summary

Nepal kicked off their Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 8-wicket win over Qatar at the Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok. Chasing 152, Nepal rode on Kushal Bhurtel’s explosive fifty and a composed finish from skipper Rohit Paudel. Earlier, Qatar posted 151/5 in their 20 overs, but it wasn’t enough to contain a rampant Nepal side. Bhurtel was deservingly named Player of the Match for his powerful knock of 38 from just 19 balls.

Short Scorecard: Nepal vs Qatar, 1st Match, Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series 2025

Qatar Innings: 151/5 (20 Overs)

• Rifayi Theruvath 65 (54), Ikramullah Khan 54 (54)

• Nandan Yadav 2/28, Karan KC 1/30

Nepal Innings: 154/2 (17 Overs)

• Kushal Bhurtel 38 (19), Rohit Paudel 37* (29)

• Mujeeb ur Rehman 2/12

Result: Nepal won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Kushal Bhurtel

Nepal Begin Their Campaign with a Statement Win over Qatar

Nepal showcased their growing maturity in T20 cricket with a thumping win over Qatar in the opening encounter of the Hong Kong T20I Quadrangular Series 2025. Played at the historic Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, the match saw Nepal flexing their batting muscle and efficient bowling tactics to comfortably chase down the target of 152 with 18 balls to spare.

Qatar’s Solid Start But Conservative Approach

Winning the toss, Nepal opted to bowl first a decision that paid dividends right from the start. Qatar lost Rifayi Theruvath early, but the experienced pair of Arumugaganesh Nagarajan and Ikramullah Khan steadied the ship. Theruvath’s 65 from 54 deliveries gave Qatar a good base, but the approach was cautious rather than aggressive a factor that hurt them later in a high-scoring ground like Mong Kok.

Ikramullah Khan, the skipper, held one end, scoring a patient 54 off 54 balls, but struggled to up the scoring rate against Nepal’s disciplined bowling. Nepal’s attack, led by Nandan Yadav (2/28) and Karan KC (1/30), cleverly mixed their pace and lengths to keep Qatar in check. The lack of acceleration in the middle overs saw Qatar reach only 151/5 in their 20 overs a score that looked at least 20 runs short considering the pitch conditions.

Nepal’s Batting Firepower Led by Kushal Bhurtel

If Qatar’s innings was all about caution, Nepal’s reply was the exact opposite. Opening batter Kushal Bhurtel came out like a man on a mission. Known for his fearless approach, Bhurtel didn’t waste any time, smashing 38 runs off just 19 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone for the chase.

Aarif Sheikh supported well with 33 from 21 balls before both openers fell to Mujeeb ur Rehman, Qatar’s standout bowler of the day with figures of 2/12 in his 3 overs.

But even after losing both openers at 92, Nepal remained in control with skipper Rohit Paudel steering the innings. His unbeaten 37 from 29 balls was a lesson in calmness under pressure. Basir Ahamad’s 30* from 33 balls provided the perfect foil, guiding Nepal home to 154/2 in 17 overs.

Nepal’s All-Round Balance Shining Through

What stood out in Nepal's performance was their clarity in roles. The pacers Karan KC and Sompal Kami kept things tight early, while Rajbanshi and Gulsan Jha took care of the middle overs. With the bat, Bhurtel's aggression, Paudel’s composure, and Basir’s support gave a glimpse of a team that’s peaking at the right time.

Qatar Need to Rethink Their Batting Strategy

For Qatar, the major concern was their conservative batting approach. On a pitch where 180 looked par, settling for 151 left their bowlers with little to defend. Their middle order lacked intent, and the strike rotation was minimal.

Even in the death overs, they managed just 26 runs in the final 3 overs a period where most T20 sides look to score over 40.

What's Next in the Series?

Nepal, riding high on confidence, will look to continue their winning momentum in their next clash. Qatar, on the other hand, need to regroup quickly and reassess their batting strategy if they hope to compete against stronger opponents like Hong Kong and Malaysia in the remainder of the Quadrangular Series.