KATHMANDU: A historic, boundary-laden masterclass from Nepal’s top order lit up the Singapore National Cricket Ground today, as Nepal posted a staggering 313 runs at the loss of two wickets in their 20 overs against China in the opening Group A match of the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier.

After China won the toss and elected to field, their debutant-heavy side was subjected to a relentless aerial assault.

Opener Kushal Bhurtel spearheaded the onslaught, hammering a breathtaking 129 off just 43 balls and reaching his century in a mere 35 deliveries.

Bhurtel’s knock was defined by maximums, with 16 sixes and five fours, before finally falling to Deng Jinqi in the 14th over.

There was absolutely no respite for China following the breakthrough.

Kushal Malla anchored the back end perfectly to finish unbeaten on 85 off 47 balls, while Rohit Paudel stepped in to strike a ferocious, unbeaten 69 off just 21 deliveries.

Nepal’s final score of 313 at the loss of two wickets narrowly missed their own world record for the highest T20I total 314 at the loss of three wickets, which they set against Mongolia during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

It was a true baptism of fire for the Chinese bowling attack, which featured five T20I debutants; Chen Zhuo Yue bore the brunt of the damage by conceding 37 runs in his lone over, while Zong Yuechao leaked 65 runs from his three overs.

Faced with a mathematically daunting target of 314, China’s response started in rocky fashion against a seasoned Nepali bowling attack.

Veteran speedster Sompal Kami struck in his very first over, clean-bowling opener Du Jianyao for 3.

By the fifth over, China sat reeling at 16 runs at the loss of two wickets.