KATHMANDU / Nepal has smashed Singapore by eight wickets in a match under the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. In the match held at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Nepal met a target of 146 runs set by its opponent in 16.3 overs at the loss of two wickets. 

In Nepal's victory, opener Kushal Bhurtel hit a half-century with highest 74 from 48 balls with eight fours and two sixes.Rohit Paudel was not out with 35 off 24 balls with two boundaries and two sixes. Nepal's openers Ashif Sheikh and Bhurtel had a partnership of an outstanding 84 in 9.1 overs. For Singapore, Anant Krishna and Akshaya Puri took one wicket each.

Elected into bat after winning the toss, Singapore made 145 runs in allotted 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets. For the team, opener Rohan Rangarajan hit highest 46 runs off 30 balls. His score included nine boundaries and one six. Similarly, Aryaveer Chaudhry made 37 off 26 with five boundaries. Manpreet Singh contributed 24, and Akshay Puri13.For Nepal, Abinash Bohora took three wickets, and Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulsan Jha and Karan KC two each.Nepal is taking on Malaysia tomorrow. 

Nepal is aiming to qualify for the T20 World Cup for the second time. Earlier in 2014, it played the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.Top two teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in 2024 co-organised by the United States and West Indies.Under the qualifier, Nepal is placed into Group 'A' alongside Malaysia, Singapore and Oman. Likewise, UAE, Hong Kong, Bahrain and Kuwait are in Group 'B'.