By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Skipper Rohit Paudel’s heroic performance led Nepal to a cent percent win in a tri-series under ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at TU Cricket Ground on Tuesday. This fourth consecutive victory marked Nepal’s first-ever 100% win in any series of the CWC League 2.
Despite a difficult start in their chase of 212 runs, with three wickets down for only 34 runs, Rohit Paudel’s unbeaten 95 off 101 balls helped Nepal secure a thrilling victory over Scotland by two wickets with 35 balls to spare. Opener Kushal Bhurtel got dismissed for 1, whereas Aasif Sheikh and Gyanendra Malla departed for 12 and 21 runs respectively. Rohit then stepped in to win Nepal the match.
With Kushal Malla leaving the crease for 17, Sundeep Jora 1, Dipendra Singh Airee 7, Sompal Kami 2, and Sandeep Lamichhane returned to the dugout for 9 runs. Nepal was in a pathetic situation of 8-138 in 31.5 overs before Karan KC joined Rohit and shared a partnership of 75 runs to secure a win. Captain Rohit sealed the match by hitting a winning boundary in the first ball of the 44th over.
Scotland’s Mark Watt 3, Chris Greaves 2 whereas Brandon McMullen, Safyaan Sharif, and Michael Leask claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, Invited to bat first, Scotland was bowled out for 212 in 46.1 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane was the pick of Nepal bowling claiming 4-45 in 10 overs. Moreover, Karan KC picked up 3 wickets, whereas Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Malla took a piece.
Scotlnd’s Opener batsman George Munsey top-scored 60 runs off 50 deliveries with 9 fours and 3 six while Matthew Cross contributed the second highest of 42 runs.
Likewise, Kyle Coetzer and Christopher McBride added 22 runs each to the tally. With skipper Richie Berrington departing for a golden duck, Michael Leask left the crease following a duck out. Moreover, Brandon McMullen collected 31 runs whereas Thomas Mackintosh 1, and Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharrif* contributed 8 runs each.
The champion Scotland was presented with the champions trophy after the completion of the match at TU Cricket Ground.
