• In a thrilling final at Mission Road Ground, Kuwait posted 174/7 before bowling out Nepal for 171 in 19.3 overs to win the Hong Kong Men’s T20I Series 2025, powered by India Club and presented by Hong Kong China Cricket.
In a thrilling final at Mission Road Ground, Kuwait made history by edging out Nepal with a narrow 3-run victory to win the Hong Kong Men’s T20I Series 2025, powered by India Club and presented by Hong Kong China Cricket. Kuwait posted 174/7 in their 20 overs, while Nepal were bowled out for 171 in 19.3 overs.
Opting to bowl first, Nepal made early breakthroughs, but Clinto Anto (26 off 14) and Ravija Sandaruwan (63 off 36) laid a solid foundation with aggressive strokeplay. Their efforts were backed by Usman Ghani (23 off 15) and a handy finish from skipper Mohamed Aslam (13 off 15), guiding Kuwait to a competitive 174/7 in 20 overs. Among Nepal’s bowlers, Sompal Kami (2/26) and NandanYadav (2/34) impressed, while Yasin Patel, playing his 50th T20I, kept things tight with two economical wickets.
Nepal’s chase got off to a disastrous start, collapsing to 92/8 despite a lone warrior effort from Basir Ahmad, who smashed a brilliant 80 off 43 balls. Debutant Naveenraj Rajendran (2/26) and Anudeep Chandamara (3/18) triggered a top-order collapse, while Yasin Patel’s miserly spell (2/24) tightened the screws during the powerplay.
However, a late resurgence led by Nandan Yadav (37 off 14) and Basir Ahmad brought Nepal right back into the contest. Needing 11 off the final over, a no-ball six from Anudeep swung the momentum, but the bowler held his nerve—delivering two dot balls and claiming the final wicket, as Clinto Anto took the catch to seal an epic win.
Anudeep Chandamara was deservedly named Player of the Final for his match-turning spell.
This result is especially significant given Nepal’s growing stature in world cricket. Having competed in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024—where they came within a whisker of defeating South Africa, losing by just one run—Nepal entered this series ranked 17th in the world, compared to Kuwait’s 24th. Since the T20I ranking system was officially introduced in 2019, this victory marks one of Kuwait’s biggest upsets and a major step forward.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, Kuwait will head into the Asia Qualifiers in September this year with renewed belief and purpose.
