Townsville/ICC: Another impressive knock by wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes and some hostile pace bowling by Shozair Ali helped England defeat Nepal by 126 runs to finish second behind Australia in Group A.
Foakes missed a century by eight runs but his 92 (84b, 7×4,3×6) was the centre-piece of England’s 274 for seven, which also featured a half-century from Ben Duckett (55, 33b, 6×4, 1×6).
Rahul Vishwakarma grabbed three, Avinash Karn picked up two while Pradeep Airee got a wicket for Nepal.
Despite a half-century from Nepal opener Subhash Khakurel, Nepal’s run-chase was never allowed to flourish as Ali and fellow new ball partner Reece Topley rattled through the line-up to dismiss the Nepal for 148.
Ali, a Warwickshire quick bowler, finished with four for 37 from 10 overs while the rangy Topley was also eye-catching with three for 10 from seven overs.
Nepal lost to Australia by 212 runs and lost to Ireland by 14 runs earlier. Nepal will now play for the 9th place play off quarter final match against Sri Lanka on Monday.
Match Summary
Group A – England beat Nepal by 126 runs, Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsvillene
England 274 for seven, 50 overs (Ben Foakes 92, Ben Duckett 55, Alex Davies 45; Rahul Vishvakarma 3-62, Avinash Karn 2-60)
Nepal 148 all out, 46 overs (Subash Khakurel 55, Hasim Ansari 35; Shozair Ali 4-37, Reece Topley 3-10)
Player of the match – Ben Foakes (England)
