Nepal have advanced to the final of the ACC U19 Premier Cup registering a nine-wicket win over Malaysia in Saturday’s semifinal at Seven Districts Ground 2 in Ajman, UAE.

Nepal’s opening bowlers Nitesh Kumar Patel and Chandan Ram produced an exceptional display to dismantle Malaysia, who were invited to bat first after Nepal won the toss. Malaysia were bundled out for just 51 runs in 17.2 overs.

Patel bowled eight overs, delivering two maidens and conceding only 24 runs, while Ram returned figures of 3 for 17 from his five-over spell that included one maiden. Aprajit Poudel, captain Ashok Dhami and Roshan Bishwakarma picked up one wicket each to complete the rout.

Only Muhammed Fathul Muin (11) and Hamzah Panggi (13) reached double figures for Malaysia. At one stage, Malaysia were reeling at 13–7 in the eighth over before the lower order offered brief resistance.

Chasing a modest target of 52 runs, Nepal lost opener Niraj Kumar Yadav for four but completed the chase with ease, reaching 55–1 inside eight overs. Vansh Chhetri remained unbeaten on 7 off 17 balls and Nischal Kshetri on 10 off 14.

Nepal had topped their group earlier in the tournament after defeating Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.

They will play the winners of the other semifinal between hosts UAE and Oman in the final on Saturday.