By Anas Ahmed 
Nepal Dominate Under Lights in Al Amarat
Nepal announced their arrival in Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 with a commanding 58-run victory over Kuwait at the Al Amarat Cricket Ground.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel shone brightly with a classy 66 off 56 balls and later contributed with the ball, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Bhurtel Anchors Nepal’s Innings
After being asked to bat first, Nepal overcame early hiccups to post a competitive 141/7 in 20 overs.
Bhurtel led the charge with elegant stroke play, striking three fours and three sixes, building partnerships first with skipper Rohit Paudel (16) and then with Dipendra Singh Airee (20).
Late fireworks from Gulsan Jha (20 off 6 balls), featuring three sixes, lifted Nepal beyond 140. Kuwait’s Anudeep Chenthamara (2/22) and Naveenraj Rajendran (2/40) were the pick of the bowlers, while Aqif Farooq and Mohammed Aslam chipped in with one wicket each.
Kuwait Collapse Against Nepal’s Bowling Attack
Kuwait’s chase never gathered momentum. Their top order stumbled early, and the middle order failed to resist Nepal’s disciplined bowling.
Clinto Anto (26 off 23) offered brief resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
Captain Mohammed Aslam (7) and all-rounder Yasin Patel (19) tried to steady the innings, but Nepal’s bowling proved too strong.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane (2/22) and left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi (2/17) stifled the run rate, while Rohit Paudel (2/9) and Kushal Bhurtel (1/6) wrapped up the tail.
Kuwait were bowled out for 83 in 18.1 overs, giving Nepal a perfect start to their qualifying campaign.
Brief Scores
Nepal: 141/7 (Kushal Bhurtel 66, Gulsan Jha 20; Anudeep Chenthamara 2/22, Rajendran 2/40)
Kuwait: 83 in 18.1 overs (Clinto Anto 26; Sandeep Lamichhane 2/22, Lalit Rajbanshi 2/17, Rohit Paudel 2/9)
Result: Nepal won by 58 runs
Player of the Match: Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal)
Captain’s Reaction
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel praised the team’s all-round display:
“Kushal set the tone at the top, and our bowlers executed plans superbly. This win gives us momentum early in the tournament.”
FAQ: Nepal vs Kuwait T20 Qualifier 2025
Q: Who won the Nepal vs Kuwait T20 Qualifier?
A: Nepal beat Kuwait by 58 runs in Al Amarat.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Kushal Bhurtel for his all-round performance (66 runs and 1/6).
Q: What was Nepal’s total score?
A: Nepal posted 141/7 in 20 overs.
Q: How many overs did Kuwait bat?
A: Kuwait were bowled out for 83 in 18.1 overs.
Q: Who starred with the ball for Nepal?
A: Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi each took two wickets, supported by captain Rohit Paudel’s 2/9.