Kathmandu – Rajesh Pulami top scored with 95 as Nepal lost their first FC Match against Kurunegala XI by 87 runs at Welagedara Stadium in Kurunegala today.
KURUNEGALA XI 347/10 (97.3) & 138/8 (44.2) defeated Nepal 187/10 (56.1) & 211/10 (70.2 ov) by 87 runs.
Chasing a stiff target of 299 runs in third, Nepal collapsed to 211 in 71.2 overs. Pulami became the highest score for Nepal in FC Matches. He took 173 deliveries with 11 fours to score 95 runs. Anil Mandal occupied the crease for 5 (55). Nepal lost their top five wickets for 45 runs in 20.3 overs. Skipper Khadka made run a ball 15.
Middle order batsman Sagar Pun fired quick 44 (48), 4 fours and 2 sixes. Sompal Kami again proved he can contribute with the bat by scoring 15 (56). Opener Subash Khakurel and Binod Bhandari were dismissed for a duck.
Chamikara Edirisinghe (28.2-7-84-6) was outstanding with his bowling as he took six wickets. Rasanjana Jayaratne took 2/39 in his 8 overs.
Earlier, Kurunegala XI declared at 138/8 in 44.2 overs. Sompal Kami managed three wickets. Off-spinner Sagar Pun grabbed two wickets while Karan, Khadka, Gauchan and Pulami shared wickets apiece.
Sompal Kami was adjudged Man of the match for his all round performance. Kami ended with eight wickets to his name along with 49 & 17 runs in both innings.
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