The Nepalese national cricket team secured an exhilarating victory against Namibia on Friday, keeping their hopes alive for the final of the Tri-nation T20I series. Nepal emerged victorious by three runs in a final-over thriller at TU Cricket Ground which is their smallest victory in terms of runs.
Chasing a target of 181 runs, Namibia needed 41 runs from the last three overs. They accumulated 18 runs from Airee’s over followed by 11 runs in Avinash Bohara’s penultimate over. Karan KC, who had given away 41 runs in his initial three overs, was entrusted with the ball with a task to defend 12 runs. KC didn’t disappoint and gave away just eight runs to ensure Nepal’s victory.
Skipper JJ Smit and Jan Frylinck added 83 runs for the fourth wicket to bring back Namibia in the contest after being 50/3 in the eighth over. Smit scored 26-ball 50 whilst Frylinck scored 37 runs. JP Kotze and Zane Green also contributed 25 and 23* runs respectively.
For Nepal, Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up two wickets each whereas Avinash Bohara grabbed one.
Earlier in the first inning, Nepal posted 180/8 on the board after being asked to bat first. Kushal Malla top-scored with 55 runs. He hammered four sixes in his 37-ball knock. Aarif Sheikh scored an anchoring 31 runs. Gulshan Jha and Anil Sah also contributed 26 and 23 runs respectively. Nepal could add only 23 runs from the last three overs.
For Namibia, Ben Shikongo picked up three wickets. Debutant Jack Brassel also picked up two wickets despite being expensive.
Nepal and Namibia both have played three matches, registering one win each. Netherlands on the other hand has won both matches.
