Cricnepal/Kathmandu – Anil Mandal’s half century scripted a strong reply for Nepal against Hong Kong in the two day match (5,6 November) which is being played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE. At stumps on Day 1 Nepal trail by 109 runs.
Winning the toss and batting first Hong Kong declared at 215/4 in 60.0 overs – almost acknowledging that this is as a practice match. In reply, Nepal is sitting comfortable at 106/1, thanks to unbeaten 85 run stand between Anil Mandal and Sagar Pun for the second wicket.
Mandal is batting on 56 runs off 104 balls with the help of 10 boundaries while Sagar Pun played an uncharacteristically slow scoring 90 balls – 38 run’s innings including 5 boundaries.
Tanwir Afzal picked up the only wicket for Hong Kong dismissing Mahesh Chhetri for 10 runs.
Earlier, Hong Kong put up a strong batting performance thanks to half century from Babar Hayat. He scored unbeaten 68 runs from 107 balls with help pf 9 fours. He added 41 runs for third wicket with Amshuman Rath and 81 for the third with Nizakat Khan. Nizakat scored fiery 48 from just 63 balls.
The openers, Amshuman Rath and Kinchit Shah provided a solid opening stand of 61 runs. Basanta Regmi provided the first break for Nepal dismissing Kinchit for 29. Rath was retired hurt for 42.
Basanta Regmi picked 2 wicket for Nepal and Karan KC got 1.
Newcomers Irshad Ahmed and Bikram Sob both were given opportunity in the match. Both however went wicketless. Speedster Bikram Sob bowled 8 overs for 33 while Irshad Ahmed gave 25 runs from his 11 overs of right arm orthodox with 4 maidens. Making a come back Mehboob Alam had opened the bowling with Karan KC.
Sompal Kami is being rested in the match due to sprain around his elbow.
