The Asian Games are underway, and it is time for men’s cricket to take over. Women’s cricket saw India emerge victorious by beating Sri Lanka after the men’s side did the same in the ODI format of the Asia Cup. Nepal and Mongolia were the most recent teams in the men’s segment to lock horns in T20 format. They clinched victory in a dreamy style, simply because they broke multiple records.
For starters, the Nepal Cricket Team is the first team to have smashed a total of 300+ scores in the shortest format. Their overall run was 314 in 20 overs, with a loss of just 3 wickets. Mongolia ended its innings with a chase, falling short of 273 runs. It was a difficult task, considering the entire bowling line-up was economical with a wicket-taking attitude.
Mongolia, on the other hand, gave away runs with an economy of more than 10.00. Od Lutbayar was the only bowler who struck below 10 runs per over during his spell.
Another record that Nepal broke in the encounter was smashing the fastest half-century. Dipendra Singh Airee did this in 9 balls with 8-6s. He remained unbeaten at 52 runs off 10 balls. This officially marks the record-breaking run that India’s Yuvraj Singh previously held. The Indian batter had brought his half-century in 12 balls during the 2007 T20 ICC World Cup against England. A better reminder is that it came when Yuvi Paaji shot six consecutive sixes in an over.
Airee’s innings have given him a strike rate of 520.00. Next, Kushal Malla registered the fastest century. It took him only 34 balls to reach the milestone. He, too, remained unbeaten, scoring 137 runs off 50 balls at a strike rate of 274.00. Interestingly, Nepal versus Mongolia was the opener of the tournament. More events like these are expected to happen again.
Nepal had a slow start, with openers playing at a rate of less than 100. Sheikh handed over his wicket in the powerplay, paving the way for Malla, who then gave the game a boost that it desperately needed.
Mongolia lost its openers during the powerplay, with 2 wickets following the trend later. The wickets kept falling, with no man on either end to win the game. This has affected their NRR, which means that Mongolia now needs a couple of magical spells to make a strong comeback. Odds on the best online cricket betting sites are less likely to favor their chances of making it to the quarterfinals. Nepal now has a strong chance of advancement.
Nepal will next play with the Maldives on October 1, 2023. Mongolia will compete with the Maldives on September 28, 2023. Both matches are scheduled to commence early in the morning IST.
They are using the same stadium that hosted the women’s T20 contest. The pitch is ideal for batters and is known to favor the side that bats first. Setting a target and then defending it is more convenient than going after it.
Nepal is currently at the top of Group A with an NRR of +13.650. Another win, and they will go to the QF. Group B and Group C will start playing their matches on September 27, 2023.
Also for more Asian games news, read “India enters Semis, beats Nepal by 23 runs“.
