The much-anticipated Quadrangular T20I Series in Hong Kong kicked off with a fiery clash between Nepal and Qatar on April 9, 2025. Cricket fans around the globe tuned in as Nepal stormed into the tournament with a dominant performance, crushing Qatar by eight wickets in the opening match held at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.
With this comprehensive win, Nepal has not only collected important points but also made a strong statement to the rest of the competing teams—Kuwait and hosts Hong Kong. It was a complete team effort with both bat and ball, and Nepal’s performance showed discipline, intent, and clear preparation for the tournament ahead.
Toss and Early Momentum
Winning the toss, Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel elected to field first—an approach that worked in their favor. The early morning pitch had a bit of bounce and Nepal’s bowlers made the most of the conditions. Qatar struggled to gain momentum in the initial overs, losing early wickets and failing to build any meaningful partnerships.
Qatar’s openers, Arumugaganesh Nagarajan and Rifayi Theruvath, found it difficult to settle in. Nagarajan was dismissed for just 1 run, and Theruvath followed soon after with only 4 runs to his name. Their dismissals put pressure on the middle order to stabilize the innings.
Qatar’s Struggles and Fightback
Despite the slow start, Qatar showed resilience in the middle overs. Mohammed Irshad played a mature innings, anchoring the side and attempting to revive the team’s hopes. He added 31 valuable runs, including some clean strokes and a pair of big hits in the final over that gave the Qatar innings a much-needed boost.
Mujeeb Ur Rehman also chipped in with a quickfire 13 towards the end, helping Qatar post a total of 151 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. While not a massive score in T20 cricket, it was a competitive one—especially considering the slow start. However, the total never really seemed enough against a strong Nepali batting lineup brimming with confidence and experience.
Nepal’s Dominant Chase
Nepal’s response was nothing short of clinical. Right from the start, the openers looked in control. Kushal Bhurtel, in particular, was outstanding at the top of the order. Playing with flair and confidence, Bhurtel scored 38 runs with powerful shots around the park. He was aggressive yet calculated, putting pressure on the Qatari bowlers from the outset.
His innings set the tone for the rest of the chase. Despite losing Bhurtel midway, Nepal never looked troubled. The middle order, led by Aasif Sheikh and Rohit Paudel, comfortably took the team over the finish line. Aasif anchored the chase with a composed knock while Paudel added quick runs with his signature attacking style.
Nepal completed the chase in just 17 overs, finishing at 154 for 2—winning the match with 18 balls to spare. Bhurtel was rightly named the Player of the Match for his brisk and influential innings.
A Statement Victory for Nepal
This win was not just about points on the table—it was a message. Nepal came into this tournament as one of the stronger contenders and their performance justified that reputation. The bowling was sharp, the fielding energetic, and the batting clinical. The team looked well-coordinated and motivated.
The victory also comes at an important time for Nepal, as the team is preparing for more international exposure and pushing for consistency in T20Is. The players showed professionalism and hunger, something that coach Monty Desai has been emphasizing over the past few months.
What This Means for Qatar
For Qatar, the match was a learning opportunity. While they showed glimpses of potential, especially through Irshad’s late burst, they will need to address their top-order fragility and bowling consistency. The powerplay overs hurt them in both innings—first while batting, and later when they failed to restrict Nepal’s run flow.
Captain Mohammed Rizlan will need to regroup his team and bounce back quickly, as the format is short and unforgiving. One loss can snowball quickly in such a tightly-packed tournament schedule.
The Road Ahead
The Hong Kong Quadrangular T20I Series features Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait, and host nation Hong Kong. Each team will play the others once in a round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the final, which is scheduled for April 13, 2025.
Nepal’s next match is against Kuwait on April 10. With the momentum firmly in their corner, Nepal will be eager to continue their winning run and secure a spot in the final early. Kuwait, on the other hand, will be aiming to cause an upset and make their presence felt.
Meanwhile, Qatar will face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on Hong Kong in their next match. That game could prove vital for their chances in the tournament. A win there would keep their campaign alive, but a second loss might push them into a must-win scenario in the remaining fixtures.
Nepal’s Bright Prospects
With young talents like Bhurtel stepping up and experienced players like Paudel providing leadership, Nepal looks poised for a strong tournament run. The team has steadily improved over the past few years, and tournaments like this one offer crucial experience in international conditions.
Nepal has always had passionate fan support, and the excitement around this series is palpable. The team’s blend of youth and experience, along with a focused management staff, gives them an edge. The road to the final is still long, but the journey has begun in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hong Kong Quadrangular T20I Series is off to a flying start. Nepal’s eight-wicket win over Qatar has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. With more games lined up in the coming days, fans can look forward to some intense cricket action.
Nepal, brimming with confidence, will look to maintain their momentum. Qatar, now with their backs against the wall, must bounce back. Cricket in Associate nations is on the rise, and matches like this are the perfect showcase of how competitive and entertaining the global game has become.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Hong Kong’s pitches, team strategies, and individual performances. For now, Nepal stands tall—victorious, united, and ready for more.
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