Nepal will take on Bahrain in its opening match of the third edition of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Premier Cup today.
The tournament began in Malaysia on Sunday, with Nepal entering the competition aiming to claim the title, defeat the other nine participating teams and secure a place in the 2027 Asia Cup. The match between Nepal and Bahrain is scheduled to begin at 7:15 am.
The 10 participating teams have been divided into two groups. Nepal is in Group A alongside Bahrain, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Group B comprises the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Singapore.
Nepal and Bahrain will meet for the first time in international cricket in today’s 50-over match at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia.
Nepal will play its second group-stage match against hosts Malaysia on Bhadra 18. Nepal is unbeaten in its last five ODIs against Malaysia and has also defeated the hosts in two recent practice matches.
Nepal is scheduled to play Saudi Arabia in its third group-stage match on September 3 and Hong Kong in its final group match on September 5. Nepal has played two matches against Saudi Arabia, winning one while the other was abandoned. In four 50-over matches against Hong Kong, Nepal has won one and lost two, with one match ending without a result.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The team that wins the tournament will qualify for the 2027 Asia Cup.
