By a Staff Reporter
Nepal failed to chase a winning target of 208 runs, falling behind hosts UAE by 68 runs in a tri-series under ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Nepal, who won the toss and opted to field first, restricted UAE to 207/8 in the allotted 50 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane, who got permission from the Supreme Court to fly to UAE and replaced the injured Mausam Dhakal, once again led Nepal’s bowling attack, taking three wickets while conceding 27 runs in 10 overs. Additionally, Karan KC, Aarif Sheikh, and Kushal Malla claimed a wicket each.
A half-century innings from Asif Khan, and Rohan Mustafa helped UAE secure victory after suffering a 131-run defeat against PNG in the first outing of the series. Asif Khan top-scored for UAE with 72 runs off 99 deliveries, followed by Rohan Mustafa’s not-out inning of 52 runs off 76 deliveries.
With Nepal’s pacer Karan KC ruling out UAE’s opener Muhammad Waseem for a duck out, Vriitya Aravind and Skipper Chundangapoyil Rizwan departed for 18 and 22 runs.
While Karthik Meiyappan left the crease following a diamond duck, Junaid Siddique departed for a duck out. Moreover, Alishan Sharafu and Aryan Lakra added 2 and 28 runs respectively.
Nepal’s Kushal Malla contributed the highest of 60 runs off 53 deliveries to Nepal’s total of 139 while trying to chase down the target. However, Nepal’s middle-order batsmen, Gyanendra Malla, Rohit Paudel, and Aarif Sheikh, departed for a duck out, and openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh left the crease contributing 5 and 17 runs, respectively.
Dipendra Singh Airee 7, Gulsan Jha 4, and Karan KC added 5 runs to the tally, while Sandeep Lamichhane remained unbeaten for 26.
UAE’s Rohan Mustafa and Karhtik Meiyappan claimed 3 wickets each, while Junaid Siddique grabbed 2 wickets. Furthermore, Sabir Ali and Zahoor Khan took a wicket each.
