By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jul 05, 2025 08:51 AM • 287 views
Nepal's next generation of cricketers etched their name in regional glory yet again, defending their ACC Men's U-16 East Zone Cup title with a gritty two-wicket victory over Singapore in a low-scoring thriller at the YSD UKM Oval in Malaysia on Saturday. Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, Nepal's young lions held their nerve under mounting pressure to cross the finish line with 117/8 in 29 overs, ensuring the coveted title remained in the Himalayan nation's grasp. It was not a game for the faint-hearted — wickets tumbled, momentum swung wildly, but in the end, it was Joy Thapa's calm and composed unbeaten 24 that guided Nepal home after a dramatic middle-order collapse.
A Test of Character Under Pressure
Singapore had earlier elected to bat first after winning the toss. But their decision backfired as Nepal's bowling unit — known for its discipline and tenacity — once again delivered. The Singaporean innings never truly took flight and was eventually bundled out for 113 in 40.5 overs.
Abhay Yadav and Sushil Bahadur Rawal were Nepal's standout performers with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece. Shubham Khanal chipped in with two, while captain Bipin Prasad Sharma added one to his tally, keeping the pressure relentless.
Singapore's batting relied heavily on brief flashes — Rohan Austin Arun top-scored with 23, while captain Ryan Naik (15), Vedansh Gupta (12) and Akash Teja (10) made starts but failed to convert.
Nepal's Nerves of Steel
What looked like a straightforward chase soon turned into a tense affair as Singapore's Kapasi Venkatesharaman ran riot with the ball, grabbing 4 crucial wickets. Supported ably by Yuvhan Pandey (2 wickets) and one apiece from Gupta and Teja, the Singaporeans clawed their way back, reducing Nepal to 117/8 and threatening to pull off a dramatic upset. However, Nepal's lower-middle order stood firm. Alongside Joy Thapa's match-winning knock, Shivans Bajgain (20), Shubham Khanal (18), Prasidh Jaisi (17), Parivarjan Yadav (13) and Abhay Yadav (10 not out) all contributed vital runs in a dogged pursuit.
Undefeated and Unshakable
With the win, Nepal completed the tournament undefeated, a testament to its dominance and consistency. They had cruised through the group stage with victories over Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Bhutan, before dispatching the hosts, Malaysia, in the semifinals. Captain Bipin Prasad Sharma, who led from the front both tactically and with the ball, praised his side's composure. "This group showed heart. We didn't just win the final — we grew through the tournament. The future of Nepal cricket is bright," Sharma said post-match.
A Glimpse Into the Future
This triumph is more than just silverware; it's a validation of Nepal's youth cricket structure and the relentless passion for the game that pulses across the country. With the senior team making strides on the international stage, the U-16 team's success is a vital piece of the long-term puzzle.
