Nepal made an impressive start to their campaign in the Quadrangular T20 Series, securing an eight-wicket victory against Qatar in the opening match at Mong Kok, Hong Kong, on Wednesday.

Qatar, put to bat first after losing the toss, struggled to build significant partnerships and posted 151-5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Ikramullah Khan was the top scorer with a solid 54 runs from 54 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes. Shahzaib Jamil’s quick 31 runs from 21 balls, including four sixes, gave Qatar some momentum. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (20 not out from 19 balls) and Mohammed Irshad (18 from 7 balls) added some late runs to propel Qatar past 150.

However, Nepal’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout, with Karan KC (1-30) and Sompal Kami (1-27) leading the way. The spin duo of Gulsan Jha (1-24) and Lalit Rajbanshi (1-12) further restricted Qatar’s progress. Despite a valiant effort from Khan and Jamil, Qatar’s total was not enough to challenge Nepal’s powerful batting line-up.

Nepal’s chase was led by an explosive 38 from 19 balls by Kushal Bhurtel, whose aggressive stroke play included four fours and three sixes. Bhurtel’s knock set the pace for the chase, while Aasif Sheikh (33), who also hit four sixes, supported him well. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (2-12) was the most successful bowler for Qatar, claiming both Nepali wickets, including Bhurtel’s.

With the target well within reach, Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel (37 not out from 29 balls) and Basir Ahamad (30 not out from 33 balls) anchored the chase and guided Nepal to victory with 18 balls to spare.

The win earned Nepal two points in the series, while Qatar’s defeat left them without any points.