Nepal and the USA’s battle on Saturday ended in a tie after a dramatic finish at the end. Nepal snatched a point from the USA after they failed to score just 1 run from a couple of deliveries while chasing the total of 275.
Nepal made three changes in the match against the host USA after a narrow 13-run loss against Oman in the first match. Regular openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh were back after missing the first game due to an injury, whereas Mohammad Aadil Alam was given his debut cap, becoming the 32nd player to represent Nepal in an ODI.
Frustrated Nepalese fans after the disappointing result in the opening match were delighted after Aadil’s inclusion in the playing XI, And the 18 years old didn’t let them down. The quickfire 36 runs from just 24 balls and 3 wickets as well as a crucial final over with the ball was enough to bring back a spark in Nepalese supporters’ faces. Also, He became the 9th player to score 30 runs and take 3 wickets in his ODI debut. Moreover, his T20I debut too was one to remember as he hammered 31 runs from just 11 balls.
Aadil’s arrival has brought some balance to the team as he can pinch-hit, finish the inning, and also bowls medium pace. Similarly, he is flexible in batting position and can bat anywhere. His powerful hits are the main advantage for the Nepali Cricket team as he can collect runs very quickly unlike most Nepali batters who love to take time, which certainly is a plus point for the shaky batting lineup.
Nepal will face Oman on the 14th of June in the third match of the series.
