WATCH: Kushal Bhurtel hits 6 sixes in an over in Asian Games Qualifier 2026: Nepal’s Historic Opener
Nepal opened their Asian Games Men’s Cricket Qualifier 2026 campaign with an emphatic statement, registering a colossal 221-run victory over China at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Sunday. This match quickly transformed into a showcase of Nepal’s burgeoning talent and aggressive intent, highlighted by a batting display that shattered records and a bowling performance that left China reeling.
Kushal Bhurtel hits 6 sixes in an over against China. (Credits: X.com)
Kushal Bhurtel Joins Elite Club with Six Sixes
The undeniable centerpiece of this extraordinary match came from Nepal’s explosive opener, Kushal Bhurtel. In a display of sheer power and precision, Bhurtel delivered one of the most unforgettable overs in T20 international history. He obliterated China’s spinner Chen Zhuo Yue, smashing six consecutive sixes in a single over, a feat that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and ignited social media.
This special moment, etched forever in the annals of Nepalese cricket, unfolded in the ninth over of Nepal’s innings. From the very first ball, Bhurtel was on a mission, launching it effortlessly over the boundary. He maintained this aggressive, no-holds-barred approach for every subsequent delivery of the over. Each ball met the middle of his bat, soaring high and far, clearing the ropes with remarkable ease. The bowler, Chen Zhuo Yue, found himself utterly helpless, watching in despair as one delivery after another disappeared into the stands.
By the conclusion of that incredible over, Bhurtel had not only provided a spectacle but also joined an elite and exclusive list of batters in T20I history to achieve the rare milestone of hitting six sixes in an over. The rarity of this accomplishment amplified its impact, making it a moment that will be replayed and celebrated for years to come. Social media platforms, as expected, exploded with clips and discussions of this breathtaking display of batting prowess, cementing Bhurtel’s place in the spotlight.
Bhurtel’s Dominant Century and Record Partnerships
Bhurtel’s heroics, however, were not confined to just one over. He continued his relentless assault on the Chinese bowling attack, transforming his aggressive start into a monumental innings. He ultimately finished with an astounding 129 runs from just 43 balls, an innings punctuated by a staggering 16 sixes. This relentless hitting completely dismantled China’s bowling strategies and set a formidable tone for Nepal’s innings.
Building on Bhurtel’s incredible momentum, Nepal’s batting lineup continued its assault. Kushal Malla provided exceptional support, crafting an unbeaten 85 runs off just 47 balls. The partnership between Bhurtel and Malla was a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting, yielding a breathtaking 175 runs that heaped immense pressure on the Chinese side. Their synergy at the crease was remarkable, with both batters complementing each other perfectly as they found boundaries at will.
Even after Bhurtel’s departure, the onslaught continued. Captain Rohit Paudel joined the fray late in the innings, ensuring there was no respite for the opposition. He contributed an equally aggressive unbeaten 69 runs from a mere 21 balls, maintaining the blistering scoring rate. His cameo propelled Nepal to a truly colossal total of 313/2 in their allotted 20 overs, a score that ranks among the highest in T20 international cricket. China’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, finding themselves utterly unable to control the flow of runs or stem the tide of boundaries.
Nepal’s Bowling Completes the Rout
Facing a daunting target of 314, China’s chase never truly got off the ground. Nepal’s bowlers, buoyed by the monumental total set by their batsmen, attacked with precision and intensity from the outset. They consistently took wickets at regular intervals, preventing China from building any meaningful partnerships.
The bowling effort was spearheaded by experienced campaigners like Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane, who maintained relentless pressure with their disciplined lines and lengths. Adding another layer of brilliance to his already stellar performance, Kushal Bhurtel also made a surprising and impactful contribution with the ball. He picked up an incredible 3 wickets for 0 runs in just 1.2 overs, showcasing his all-round capabilities and further asserting Nepal’s dominance.
China ultimately collapsed, being bowled out for a mere 92 runs in 19.2 overs. This comprehensive capitulation sealed a dominant 221-run victory for Nepal, providing them with a perfect and utterly convincing start to their Asian Games Qualifier campaign. The performance was a powerful statement of intent, signaling Nepal as a strong contender in the tournament and highlighting the immense talent within their squad, particularly the unforgettable heroics of Kushal Bhurtel.
