The Nepalese team faced a close three-wicket defeat against the USA in their first CWC League 2 match held in the United States. This marked Nepal’s seventh loss in their 10th game of the campaign.
Nepal, invited to bat first at Grand Prairie Stadium, scored 286 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The openers put up a solid 98-run partnership for the first wicket, with both reaching half-centuries. Anil Sah scored 56, while Aasif Sheikh contributed 52 off 53 balls.
Nepal went from 98/0 to 121/3 after losing Kushal Bhurtel (11) as well. Rohit Paudel then stabilized the innings, forming a 56-run partnership with Aarif Sheikh (37) for the fourth wicket. Rohit narrowly missed his well-deserved century, falling just four runs short after hitting eight fours and three sixes in his 75-ball innings. The other batters were unable to make a significant impact.
Nosthush Kenjige was a pick of a bowler for USA with four wickets. Saurabh Netravalkar grabbed two whilst other three bowlers pocketed one wicket each.
In reply, the USA successfully chased down the target in 49.4 overs, losing seven wickets along the way. Sompal Kami struck early, dismissing Andries Gous in the second over, but the next partnership added 161 runs, shifting momentum back to the hosts. The Nepalese bowlers fought back to re-enter the contest, reducing the USA to 197/6 by the 36th over.
Captain Monank Patel contributed 62, while Shayan Jahangir caused greater damage with a century, scoring 104 off 97 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes. Kushal Bhurtel then took four quick wickets, pulling Nepal back into the contest.
Harmeet Singh and Shadley van Schalkwyk then shifted the game’s momentum. Harmeet scored a crucial 57 off 44 balls, while Shadley contributed 29. With 17 runs needed from the last two overs, the USA scored 12 off Sandeep’s penultimate over, and Shadley sealed the win with a six.
Nepal used nine bowlers in the match. Kushal Bhurtel picked up four wickets whereas Sompal grabbed two and Lalit picked up one.
Nepal will play against Scotland in the next match on 29 October.
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