India are chasing a fifth appearance in the Asian Cup finals tournament. The Blue Tigers aim to qualify for back-to-back Asian Cups for the first time ever. Previously, India have featured in the 1964, 1984, 2011, and 2019 editions.
Nepal won the toss and having put Thailand in to bat, their bowlers bowled well to concede only three boundaries in the entire innings to restrict them to 89-7 in 20 overs.
The first match of the series will be an opportunity for the hosts to chase an all-time 13-0 T20I winning record and be counted among the great teams in this format in the year ICC T20 World Cup will be held.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Bhutan skipper Ngawang Choden struck a pair of early boundaries to propel Bhutan to 20 for no loss at the end of four overs.
While Nigeria are regulars, their fellow participants Morocco and Tanzania have qualified for the first time. Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana were beaten at the decisive stage of qualifying.
Gaur was instrumental in restricting hosts Malaysia to a total of 33-9 before the UAE's batters knocked off the target in four overs to set up a 9-wicket win at the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval.
The players of the Indian men's football team came forward and urged fans to come in full numbers to support the team at AFC Asian Cup final round qualifiers.