From the acc Nepal, Malaysia qualify for men’s cricket competition at 2026 Asian Games in JapanBetween September and October of the year 2026. These four teams qualified as a part of an Asian Games qualifying tournament in Singapore.
Nepal produced one of the highlights of the qualification campaign. It started off with a huge win over China by 221 runs. Nepal went on to score 313 for 2 in its innings, with opener Kushal Bhurtel smashing a remarkable 129 runs off 43 balls. It also ensured Nepal become the only men’s T20 side to record more than one score of over 300 runs.
The Nepalese side then followed that up the next match, with a comprehensive 167-run victory over Malaysia. Bhurtel was pivotal once more, scoring another century as Nepal posted 275 for 7. Nepal’s two victories were sufficient for the number one spot of Group A after Qatar withdrew from the tournament before it began.
Malaysia also booked its place in the Asian Games after defeating China in its opening match. The victory guaranteed qualification despite the heavy loss against Nepal.
In Group B, both Hong Kong and Oman remained unbeaten during the league stage. Each team recorded victories over Bahrain and Singapore, ensuring qualification before their final group encounter. Their last league match served only to determine the semi-final pairings, with both teams already assured of advancement.
The four qualifiers will join Asia’s Full Member nations-Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka-along with host nation Japan in the final tournament. The men’s cricket competition is set to begin on September 24, with the championship match scheduled for October 3.
Meanwhile, the women’s cricket qualification tournament concluded recently, with Thailand, Malaysia, and China securing places in the women’s event. The women’s competition will be held from September 17 to September 22 as part of the 20th Asian Games.
The qualification results highlight the growing strength and competitiveness of associate cricket nations across Asia as they prepare to compete on one of the continent’s biggest sporting stages.