Nepal started their UK tour with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Newport Cricket Club in their first practice match, played in Cardiff. The visitors overcame a dramatic top-order collapse to chase down a target of 213 runs, thanks to a match-saving partnership between Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jha.
Chasing 213, Nepal found themselves in deep trouble early on, reeling at 18/5. The top order crumbled, with Kushal Bhurtel, Anil Sah, and Basir Ahmad all dismissed without scoring. Bhim Sharki managed just 1 run, while Aasif Sheikh made 14 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee’s 22-run knock offered some resistance, but his dismissal left Nepal struggling at 56/6.
However, the tide turned with a heroic 133-run stand for the seventh wicket between Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jha. Jha played a blistering knock of 80 off 72 balls, injecting momentum into the chase. Aarif Sheikh held firm at the other end, anchoring the innings with a calm and composed unbeaten 72 off 98 deliveries. Sompal Kami sealed the victory in style with a boundary in the 38th over, as Nepal reached 214/7 in 37.5 overs.
Earlier in the day, Newport Cricket Club elected to bat first and posted 212 runs before being bowled out in 42.3 overs. Opener Will Tripcony was the standout performer, notching a brilliant 118 off 124 balls. While Cleak provided brief support, the rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions.
Nepal’s bowlers put in a collective effort to restrict the hosts. Kushal Bhurtel starred with the ball, claiming four wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with two wickets each, while Rijan Dhakal and Sompal Kami picked up one apiece.
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