World Cup Cricket League 2: Nepal Secures a Big Win Against the USA
Image source, CAN
In the final match of the tri-nation series held in Kathmandu as part of the World Cup Cricket League 2, Nepal triumphed over the USA by 122 runs.
Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal set a target of 318 runs. In response, the USA was all out for 195 runs in 41.2 overs, falling short of the target.
Nepal completed their 50 overs with 317 runs for the loss of eight wickets, with Ishan Pande top-scoring at 84 runs. All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 59 runs.
In the previous match as well, Nepal defeated the USA by nine wickets.
Demonstrating strong batting skills, Nepal registered their second-highest score in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Standings
With this victory, Nepal has won three out of four matches in the series involving the USA and Scotland, earning an important six points. Previously, Nepal gained another six points in tri-series held in Kirtipur against Oman and the UAE. Currently, Nepal is ranked fifth in the points table.
The team has accumulated 24 points from 28 matches played so far.
Among the eight associate nations participating, the top four currently are the USA, Scotland, Oman, and the Netherlands.
Impressive Performance by National Team’s Newcomer Ishan
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Opening batsmen Kushal Bhurtel and Ashif Sheikh gave Nepal an excellent start, making the innings easier.
The duo shared a 69-run partnership in 12.5 overs, with Kushal scoring 29 and Ashif 43 runs.
Ishan Pande, playing his third ODI, gained significant attention with his innings. Having recently joined the national team, he has established himself firmly by scoring half-centuries in two consecutive matches during this series.
He formed a strong 110-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Rohit Paudel. After facing 83 balls, Ishan scored 84 runs before getting out.
Captain Rohit also contributed 46 runs.
After a solid start, aggressive batsman Dipendra Singh Airee scored a quick 59 runs off 36 balls, pushing Nepal past the 300-run mark.
Following that, Arif Sheikh added 18 runs and Gulshan Jha contributed 15 runs.
Spin Bowlers Dominate as USA Collapse
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The pressure of chasing a tough target showed early when Sompal Kami took a wicket in the first over, giving Nepal dominance in the match.
Shayan Jahangir attempted to steady the innings for a while, but under intense pressure from Nepal’s spinners, the American batsmen began to lose wickets in quick succession.
During this phase, Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets, Lalitnarayan Rajbanshi took two, and Dipendra claimed one wicket.
Sandeep’s wickets included Jahangir, captain Saiteja Mukkamalla, and Milind Kumar.
After losing wickets consecutively, the USA found some resistance in all-rounder Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who batted cautiously at one end, scoring 56 runs in 44 balls with 4 fours and 6 sixes.
However, his innings ended when Gulshan Jha bowled him out.