Sep 03, Kathmandu - Nepal has solidified its chances for the semifinals by registering its second consecutive victory in the ACC Premier Cup. On Thursday, Nepal defeated Malaysia by 6 wickets at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Malaysia.

Chasing a target of 104 runs set by Malaysia, Nepal achieved the victory in 21.4 overs, losing four wickets. Arjun Kumal contributed an unbeaten 45 runs, hitting four boundaries off 68 balls.

Ishan Pandey scored 20, Deependra Singh Airee remained unbeaten on 12, and Rohit Kumar Poudel added 10 runs. Notably, Arjun and Ishan shared a 57-run partnership for the third wicket.

For Malaysia, Virandeep Singh, Prashant Madhukar, Arif Ullah, and captain Syed Aziz took one wicket each.

Earlier, Malaysia, opting to bat after winning the toss, was bowled out for 103 runs in 32.3 overs. Syed Aziz scored 30, Akil Wahid made 24, Virandeep Singh added 14, and Mohammad Syahadat Ramli scored 13.

Nepal's bowlers were led by Karan KC with four wickets, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi with two, while Hemant Dhammi, Deependra Singh Airee, and captain Sandeep Lamichhane took one wicket each.

With this victory, Nepal has accumulated four points from two matches and tops Group 'A'. Malaysia, having lost its first match, is in second place with two points after two games.

Nepal previously defeated Bahrain by seven wickets, while Malaysia beat Saudi Arabia by 93 runs.

Nepal is set to face Saudi Arabia this coming Sunday.