Nepal has managed to post 229 for the loss of eight wickets against UAE in the final match of the Penultimate series under CWC League 2.
Despite a shaky start after opting to bat first, Bhim Sharki’s anchoring inning helped Nepal post a fighting total at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Nepal lost its opener Aasif Sheikh early, following a terrific catch from Aayan Khan for 6(14). Gyanendra Malla opened the innings today in the absence of regular opener Kushal Bhurtel, who was left out due to injury. Malla was yet again trapped LBW for 11(26) in the ninth over as the visitors were two down within the powerplay.
Three overs later, Skipper Rohit (1) walked back cheaply, followed by Kushal Malla, who scored a run a ball 32. The situation got worsen when Dipendra Singh Airee (4) was also dismissed without doing any special, and Nepal were down to 68/5 in the 18th over.
Sandeep Lamichhane was sent at number six, who then contributed 27 runs and added 56 runs with Bhim Sharki for the sixth wicket. Bhim completed his maiden ODI fifty and shared another 56 runs for the seventh wicket with Aarif Sheikh. Bhim scored 70 runs, striking seven fours before being dismissed by Rohan Mustafa in the 45th over.
Karan Kc and Pratish GC played a quick cameo of 11-ball 17 and six-ball 11 respectively, at the end. Meanwhile, Aarif Sheikh closed the inning with a six in the final ball and remained unbeaten for 43 runs.
Junaid Siddique was the pick of a bowler for UAE grabbing three wickets. Aryan Lakra and Rohan Mustafa pocketed two wickets each, while Karthik Meiyappan grabbed one.
