MALAYSIA set up a final day showdown with Nepal tomorrow for the ACC Under-16 Premier title after beating Singapore by four wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Klang yesterday.
Nepal thrashed Bahrain by 186 runs at the Selangor Turf Club for their fourth win in as many matches to head the standings with eight points going into the final round of fixtures.
Malaysia are a point behind, having won three games after the opening day wash-out against Bahrain.
Only a victory at the Kinrara Oval tomorrow will allow Malaysia to retain the title won in 2012 when the National Juniors upset Nepal in the final.
National Juniors coach Thushara Kodikara said his boys are excited ahead of the title decider.
“We’ve won three matches and the morale of the team is high,” said Kodikara.
“I think the teams are of equal strength and we showed today after a difficult start that we know how to come back and win.”
Singapore were bowled out for 127 in 25.1 overs but not before threatening with a 74-run stand for the second wicket.
Shahriel Azmi grabbed four wickets for eight runs before captain Virandeep Singh, with another man-of-the match performance, steered Malaysia to 128-6 off 34.3 overs with an unbeaten 59.
TOMORROW: Malaysia v Nepal (Kinrara, 10am), Bahrain v Oman (Bayuemas, 10am), Singapore v Thailand (STC, 10.30am).