Nepal has clinched the five-match T20I series against Kenya in its maiden trip to the African nation. The visiting side bagged a series 3-2 after a comfortable 31-run win in the bilateral series decider at Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground on Tuesday.
Chasing a mammoth total of 176 runs, Kenya were restricted to 144/7 in the 20 overs. Despite a late firework, Kenya fell 31 runs short as the start was very poor. Only Nehemiah Odhiambo and Shem Ngoche were prominent, scoring 37(22) and 33(18) runs respectively.
Nepal finishes the series with a 31-run victory and win the series 3-2, over the hosts Kenya. Thanks to Gyanendra Malla for scoring his second fifty in #T20I and Rohit Paudel for his 47 runs contribution in the first innings. #KENvNEP #Nepalcricket pic.twitter.com/t7Hxtyt3B2
— cricnepal.com (@cricnepal) August 30, 2022
Collins Obuya and Irfan Karim also added 23 and 28 runs respectively, although the strike rate was below par. Nelson Odhiambo smacked 13 runs towards the end.
Sandeep Lamichhane and Basir Ahamad pocketed a couple of wickets each for Nepal. Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan Kc, and Aadil Aalam grabbed one wicket each.
Nepal vs Kenya – 5th T20I – Gyanendra Malla received the Player of the Match award. Malla smashed 59 runs off 44 balls, his second fifty in #T20I cricket to help Nepal put up 175/7 in the first innings. Photo Credit: Nation Africa pic.twitter.com/gxsMNnSr8J
— cricnepal.com (@cricnepal) August 30, 2022
Earlier in the first inning, Gyanendra Malla’s half-century inspired Nepal to post a massive total of 175, after opting to bat first. Malla shared 65 and 40 run partnership with Arjun Saud (29) and Dipendra Singh Airee (22) for the first and the second wicket respectively before walking back for 59(44) with five boundaries and a couple of sixes.
It was Rohit Paudel who did more damage to the home side, smashing 47 runs from just 25 balls, hammering seven fours.
Nehemiah Odhiambo, Shem Ngoche, and Vraj Patel picked up a couple of wickets each for Kenya. Lucas Oluoch also grabbed one wicket.
Gyanendra Malla was declared the player of the match while Nepali Captain Sandeep Lamichhane was named the player of the series.
Following the T20I series, Nepal will now play three one-day games against Kenya. The first game is scheduled to be played on coming Friday, 2nd September.