Kathmandu: Nepal reaffirmed their regional cricketing dominance by clinching the ACC Men’s U-16 East Zone Cup title for the fourth time in a row, defeating Singapore by two-wicket in a low scoring game at the YSD UKM Oval in Bangi, Malaysia, on Saturday.

Defending a modest target of 114 runs in the 50-over format, Nepal were made to sweat as they stumbled to 58-5 and later 92-8, before a composed lower-order partnership saw them score 117-8 in 29 overs.

Singapore, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were bowled out for 113 in 40.5 overs. Despite a disciplined bowling effort by Singapore, Nepal’s resilience and grit carried them over the line.

With this win, Nepal have now lifted the title in all four editions of the tournament—2017 (inaugural), 2019, 2023, and 2025—remaining unbeaten champions in the history of the competition. 

Joy Thapa, batting at No 7, top-scored for Nepal with a calm 24 off 53 balls remaining unbeaten that included three boundaries. He was instrumental in anchoring the chase, sharing a crucial 33-run stand for the sixth wicket with skipper Subham Khana (18 off 40), and an unbeaten 25-run ninth-wicket partnership with Abhay Yadav (10 off 12) to seal the victory.

Among the top order, Shiwansh Bajgain (20), Prashiddha Jaishi (17) and Parimarjan Yadav (13) made significant contributions in double digits.

Singapore’s Kapish Venkataraman was the standout bowler, claiming 4-18 in 6 overs, while Yuvaan Pandey chipped in with two wickets.

Earlier, Singapore’s innings was anchored by opener Rohan Austin Arun (23 off 84 balls), captain Riaan Naik (15) and tailenders Akash Teja (10) and Vedansh Gupta (12 not out) adding some resistance.

Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Abhay Yadav and Sushil Rawat, who bagged three wickets each. Abhay was particularly impressive, conceding just 34 runs in his 10-over spell, including two maidens, and was rightfully named Player of the Match. Sushil supported well, finishing with 3 for 38 in 8 overs.