Nepal Secures 81-Run Victory Over Jersey in First Practice ODI

Opener Kushal Bhurtel’s century coupled with excellent bowling performances helped Nepal secure an 81-run victory against Jersey in the first practice One Day International (ODI) match. Chasing a target of 251 runs set by Nepal, the Jersey team was bowled out for 169 runs in 41 overs, with Hemant Dhami taking 4 wickets and Arif Sheikh claiming 3. Bhurtel scored a commanding 105 runs off 117 balls, while Hemant delivered a strong bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for 37 runs in 7 overs. The match took place on June 14 in Kathmandu.

Held on Monday night at Granville, Nepal defeated Jersey convincingly by 81 runs. Bhurtel’s century anchored the batting innings, while Hemant and Arif’s combined bowling effort kept Jersey under pressure. Jersey, chasing Nepal’s 251-run target, were dismissed for 169 within 41 overs. Charlie Brennan remained unbeaten on 82 runs but could not prevent the defeat. Daniel Birel contributed 41 runs to Jersey’s total. For Nepal, Hemant took 4 wickets in 7 overs conceding 37 runs, Arif took 3 wickets in 5 overs giving up just 9 runs, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

Jersey found themselves in trouble early on, at 39 for 5 in the 12th over and 59 for 8 by the 20th over. Brennan and Birel then forged a 94-run partnership before Nepal managed to break through and claim wickets. Nepal batted first after losing the toss and posted 250 runs for 8 wickets in their 50 overs. When the game was interrupted by rain at the 31st over, Nepal was comfortably placed at 158 for 2. The interruption lasted about one and a half hours but the overs remained unchanged. Bhurtel’s 105 runs came off 117 balls and included 13 boundaries. Bhim Sarki added a useful 39 runs. Nepal had established a strong position at 148 for 1 in the 29th over and 172 for 2 by the 35th, but the innings experienced some challenges later. For Jersey, Daniel Birel, Benjamin Ward, and Nick Greenwood took 2 wickets each, while George Richardson and Charles Pritchard claimed one wicket apiece. Nepal is scheduled to play another ODI against Jersey on Wednesday, before continuing their participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in the Netherlands, which also features Namibia.