KATHMANDU: Nepal kicked off their Asian Games Men’s Cricket Qualifier campaign in devastating fashion on May 31, crushing China by 221 runs in the Group A opener.

A sensational, record-breaking century by opener Kushal Bhurtel powered Nepal to a monumental 313 runs at the loss of two wickets before a disciplined bowling attack bundled China out for just 92 runs.

After being put in to bat, Nepal lost opener Aasif Sheikh (11) early in the fourth over. However, that was the only moment of respite for the Chinese bowling attack.

Kushal Bhurtel unleashed absolute mayhem, blasting a breathtaking 129 runs off just 43 deliveries. Bhurtel’s astonishing knock included 5 boundaries and a staggering 16 sixes, operating at a strike rate of 300.00 before finally falling to Deng Jinqi in the 14th over.

Following Bhurtel’s departure, Kushal Malla and Rohit Paudel kept the boundary percentage ridiculously high. Malla anchored and exploded in equal measure, finishing unbeaten on 85 off 47 balls (8 fours, 5 sixes).

Paudel provided late-innings fireworks, striking a blistering 69 off a mere 21 balls, taking Nepal to a massive total of 313 from their 20 overs.

The Chinese bowlers suffered heavily under the onslaught, with Chen Zhuo Yue conceding 37 runs in his lone over, while Zong Yuechao leaked 65 runs from his three.

Chasing an improbable target of 314, China’s batting line-up collapsed under the weight of the scoreboard pressure and aggressive Nepali bowling.

Veteran pacer Sompal Kami struck early, removing Du Jianyao (3) and Ma Qiancheng (0) to leave China tottering at 9/2.

While Du Jianhao (17) and Shenjian Zheng (31 off 15 balls) showed brief resistance, Nepal’s spin department quickly strangled the middle order.

Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 2 for 29, while Kushal Malla cleaned up the tail with exceptional figures of 3 for 0 in 1.2 overs.

China’s innings eventually folded for 92 in 19.2 overs, handing Nepal a massive net run-rate boost to begin the tournament.