By a Staff Reporter
Dubai – Nepal secured a 3-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in a tri-series match under the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Opener Aasif Sheikh and eighth batsman Sandeep Lamichhane formed an unbeaten 77-run partnership, helping Nepal chase the winning target of 179 runs, posting a total of 182/7 in 48 overs.
Despite Kushal Bhurtel being dismissed for a royal duck out, the duo of Aasif and Sandeep rescued Nepal from defeat. Opener Aasif played a not-out inning contributing the highest of 86 runs off 130 deliveries with 2 fours and a six.
In addition, Sandeep Lamichhane, batting in the eighth position, was the star of the show as he scored 35 runs off 50 deliveries and hit the match-winning shot in the last ball of the 47th over.
The middle-order batsmen had an unfortunate day with all of them struggling to score runs. Gyanendra Malla (6), Bhim Sharki (8), Rohit Paudel (1), Aarif Sheikh (1), and Dipendra Singh Airee (8) all underperformed. However, Kushal Malla kept Nepal’s hope alive by scoring 23 runs off 26 deliveries before getting caught by Sese Bau in the 31.6th over.
Assad Vala was the pick of PNG bowlers, claiming 3-21 in 10 overs with 2 maidens. Moreover, Semo Kamea and Sese Bau took 2 wickets each.
Earlier, Papua New Guinea was bowled out for 179 runs in 49.2 overs. Opener Tony Ura top-scored 39 runs off 51 balls whereas Hiri Hiri earned the second-highest of 31 runs for the losing side.
Sese Bau and Assad Vala both contributed 11 runs, while Chad Soper and Riley Kekure scored 9 runs each for Papua New Guinea. In addition, Kiplin Doriga scored 26 runs, Gaudi Toka scored 15 runs, Norman Vanua scored 14 runs, Semo Kamea scored 2 runs, and Hila Vare added 4 runs to the team’s total.
Nepal’s Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee picked two wickets each, whereas Karan Kc, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Kushal Malla grabbed one apiece.
