Who is Aasif Sheikh? First Nepalese Cricketer to Score Double Century

The 24-year-old batting sensation, Aasif Sheikh, is making global headlines after becoming the first Nepalese cricket player to score a double century in a 50-over domestic game. His knock of 208 runs off 142 balls while playing for APF Club against Madhesh Province in the Prime Minister (PM) Cup at the Narayani Cricket Stadium reflects his talent and capability.

The right-hander struck 15 fours and 17 sixes while opening the batting during this historic knock and ensured that his team scored a massive 390-5 in 50 overs. He could have scored a lot more runs but retired out during the 46th over of the innings.

Who is Aasif Sheikh?

Born on June 22, 2001, in Birgunj, Aasif is a right-handed opening batter and a skilled wicket-keeper. Known for his "classy" batting style and calm demeanor, Aasif aims to be counted among the best wicketkeepers in the world. He quickly transitioned from a young prospect into a national icon, carrying the hopes of a cricket-crazy nation every time he walks out to the crease.

Aasif Sheikh double century has come at a time when he is still young. This 24-year-old right-handed batter is often described as an anchor of the Nepal batting line-up. With this knock, he has proved exactly why he is considered the backbone of the team.

As of early 2026, he has scored 1,677 runs in 63 ODI matches, holding the national record for the most half-centuries in the format with 13 fifties and a brilliant century. In T20 Internationals, he has scored 1,710 runs across 72 matches with a strike rate of nearly 120. Beyond his batting, Aasif is a defensive wall behind the stumps, recording 37 catches and 16 stumpings in T20Is alone.

Aasif Sheikh's Recent Form

Lately, Aasif has been in the best form of his life. During the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he has consistently scored runs against tough international teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup League tournaments.

However, he didn't score big in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, held in India and Sri Lanka. The opener could only score 71 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 107.57 as Nepal bowed out of the first stage of the tournament.
As Nepal looks forward to playing in more global stage cricket, Aasif’s experience will be the key to their success. He is no longer just a “promising young player,” he is now an experienced batter in the team. With his historic double century as a foundation, Aasif Sheikh proves that he is ready to compete with some of the best bowlers in the world as he leads Nepal into a new era of cricket glory.