Kathmandu: Defending champions Nepal stormed to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Japan, securing their second consecutive win in the ACC Men’s U-16 East Zone Cup on Tuesday at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Opting to bat first, Japan were skittled out for a paltry 80 runs in 34.3 overs, courtesy to a brilliant five-wicket haul from Shubham Khanal. In reply, Nepal chased down the target with ease reaching 81-1 in 14.1 overs.

Nepal had earlier defeated Singapore by six wickets in their opening match on Sunday. With two wins from as many games, Nepal now sit atop the points table with four points while Japan are second on two points having played equal games.

In the run chase, Nepal’s innings was anchored by an unbeaten 76-run stand for the second wicket between Prashiddha Jaishi and Shiwans Bajgain.

Prashiddha scored 33 off 37 balls, laced with three boundaries while Shiwans scored 38 off 42 deliveries that included seven fours.

Earlier, Japan struggled to build any momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Captain Charlie Harahinze top-scored with a resilient 36 off 48 balls before being dismissed by Shubham Khanal. Gabby Harahinze was the only other Japanese batter to reach double figures, scoring 13 off 30 before being trapped leg-before by the in-form Khanal.

Shubham Khanal was deservedly named player-of-the-match for his outstanding bowling performance. He finished with figures of 5 for 15 from 10 overs that included three maidens. Abhay Yadav also chipped in with two wickets, conceding 25 runs in his six-over spell.

Nepal will next face Indonesia on Friday in their third match of the tournament.