Kenya defeated Nepal by 18 runs in the second T20I match to level the series 1-1. The home side wrapped up Nepal for a mere 114 runs after posting 132 runs in the first inning.
Chasing an average target, Nepal never looked stable in the crease, losing wickets momentarily. Aasif Sheikh and Gyanendra Malla were dismissed within the fourth over while the score was 11.
Aarif Sheikh top scored with 25 runs before falling short of the crease in a crucial stage. Aadil Ansari and Rohit Paudel added 20 runs each whereas Opener Pawan Sarraf scored sluggish 19 runs. Kenya who conceded 18 extras in the first match shared just 6 runs in the second.
Viraj Patel, Emmanuel Bundi, and Lucas Oluoch bagged a couple of wickets each for Kenya. Eugene Ochieng and Nehemiah Odhiambo also pocketed one wicket each.
Earlier, Kenya posted an average total of 133 runs despite a poor start. Rakep Patel and Nehemiah Odhiambo’s contribution saw the home side finish allotted 20 overs in 132/9 at Gymkhana Club Ground.
Choosing to bowl first, Nepal’s pace bowling duo Sompal Kami and Karan Kc yielded a fine start conceding just 30 runs from the powerplay, Sompal bowled two maidens while Karan grabbed one wicket. Irfan Karim and Rakep Patel then shared a half-century stand to stabilize the home side. Karim scored a sluggish 22 while Patel topped the scorecard adding 35 runs. Nehemiah Odhiambo hammered 29 runs at the end.
Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee grabbed 3 wickets each for Nepal. Karan Kc took a couple of wickets while Pawan pocketed one scalp.
Nepal won the first T20I by five wickets chasing a total of 131 runs. The third T20I will be played at the same venue on 28th August.
