KATHMANDU: Hong Kong has set a target of 189 runs for Nepal in the ongoing final match of the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Qualifiers today.

After losing the toss and being invited to bat first at the Singapore National Cricket Ground, Hong Kong posted a total of 188 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Anshuman Rath top-scored for Hong Kong with a stellar knock of 80 runs. He smashed a half-century off just 45 balls, hammering six boundaries and six sixes. Similarly, Shahid Wasif contributed a brisk 55 runs off 28 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before being dismissed, while Shiv Mathur chipped in with 26 runs off 21 balls.

On the bowling front, Sher Malla was the pick of the bowlers for Nepal, claiming four wickets. Karan KC picked up two wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane scalped one.

Nepal advanced to the final of the tournament after defeating Oman in the semifinals, while Hong Kong secured their spot in the title clash by overcoming Malaysia. Regardless of today’s result, both nations have already qualified for the upcoming Asian Games, which will be held in Japan this September.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s prominent all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee achieved a significant milestone today by completing 100 matches in his Twenty20 International (T20I) career. Having made his T20I debut against the Netherlands at Lord’s in London on July 29, 2018, Airee hit the historic century-mark of appearances during today’s match against Hong Kong.