China's women's cricket team secured a dramatic return to the Asian Games after beating Nepal by five wickets via the DLS method in the third-place playoff of the women's cricket qualifier in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday.

The result gave China the final available qualifying place for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, ending a 12-year wait to return to the continental competition. China last appeared in the women's cricket event at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, where the team finished fourth after losing the bronze medal playoff match against Sri Lanka. 

China entered the decisive match under pressure after suffering a heavy defeat to Nepal earlier in the tournament. Nepal, ranked more than 20 places above China, again posed a major challenge, but the Chinese side responded with composure in a rain-affected contest.

Nepal made 50-5 in seven overs before China chased down a revised target, reaching 45-5 in their allotted overs. The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion as China struck a four off the final delivery, triggering celebrations among the players and coaching staff.

The qualifier was held from May 23 to 31, with six teams competing for three berths at next year's Asian Games. Thailand, Malaysia and China claimed the available places, joining the host nation and Asia's International Cricket Council full members in the eight-team women's event.

China will remain in Malaysia to take part in the 2026 Women's Elite Cup, organized by the Asian Cricket Council, before returning home to continue preparations for the Asian Games.