Karan KC four-for powers Nepal to second straight win

KATHMANDU: Karan KC claimed four wickets before Arjun Kumal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 45 as Nepal defeated Malaysia by six wickets in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 at the UKM-YSD Oval in Bangi on Thursday.

Nepal dismissed Malaysia for 103 in 32.3 overs after the hosts won the toss and elected to bat. The target was reached with 28.2 overs remaining as Nepal finished on 106/4 in 21.4 overs.

Karan led Nepal's disciplined bowling performance, returning 4/23 from 7.3 overs, including two maidens, at an economy rate of 3.07.

Lalit Rajbanshi provided strong support with 2/19 from six overs. Hemant Dhami, Dipendra Singh Airee and captain Sandeep Lamichhane collected one wicket each as Malaysia struggled to develop a substantial partnership.

Syed Aziz top-scored for Malaysia with 30 from 49 deliveries, hitting two fours and two sixes. Aqeel Wahid contributed 24 off 39 balls, but the remainder of Malaysia’s batting order could not provide a significant contribution.

Nepal encountered early trouble in the chase when Aasif Sheikh was dismissed for a duck and Dev Khanal fell for two, leaving the side 10/2.

Kumal steadied the innings and combined with Ishan Pandey to rebuild the chase. Pandey made 20 from 29 deliveries, including two fours and a six, before being stumped off Virandeep Singh.

Rohit Paudel contributed 10 from 16 balls before Kumal and Dipendra completed the chase. Kumal finished unbeaten on 45 from 68 deliveries, striking four boundaries, while Dipendra scored an unbeaten 12 from 11 balls.

The victory was Nepal’s second in as many Group A matches. Nepal began their campaign with a seven-wicket win over Bahrain on August 31 after dismissing them for 87.

Two consecutive victories have placed Nepal in a strong position in the group as they pursue a place in the knockout stage.

Nepal will next face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, September 6.