The Nepalese U19 Cricket Team secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over the Karnataka U19 team on Friday, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. After narrowly losing the first match, Nepal bounced back in dominant fashion at Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Karnataka’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as they were dismissed for just 121 in 38.1 overs. Naren Saud (10-3-20-4) and Hemant Dhami (5.1-1-16-4) were the standout bowlers, each claiming four wickets. Dayanand Mandal and Santosh Yadav also chipped in with a wicket each.
Rishav Appachu scored 40 runs whereas Opener Pratheek made 37 runs. No other batters were able to cross double digit score for the visiting team.
In response, Nepal comfortably chased the target in 24.5 overs, losing three wickets. Mayan Yadav and Aakash Tripathi made a good opening stand before Mayan departed for 32 runs. Naren Bhatta walked back for 14 while Santosh Yadav was dismissed for a duck.
Opener Aakash Tripathi scored a half century and remained unbeaten till the end. He made 52* from 76 balls. Uttam Magar also remained unbeaten for 12 runs.
Nepal suffered a narrow one-wicket defeat in the first match of the series. The third match will be played on November 17.
