The Nepalese national team thrashed the Netherlands in the second match of the ICC CWC League 2 Tri-Series. Nepal bagged a commanding nine-wicket win chasing a target in just 15.2 overs. This is the third-quickest chase completed by Nepal in the ODI.
Nepal’s previous fastest chase was recorded against the USA in just 5.2 overs in February 2020 followed by another record chase in just 7.4 overs against PNG in 2023.
Following a mere target of 138 runs, Kushal Bhurtel yielded an explosive start, hammering 11-ball 28 with two fours and three big sixes. The duo of Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh then shared 105* runs for the second wicket to bag a thumping win.
Anil Sah, who wrapped things up with a boundary, completed his second ODI fifty and remained unbeaten on 57 runs. He hammered six fours and fours sixes in his 36-ball knock.
Meanwhile, Aasif also scored his 11th ODI fifty and remained unbeaten for 45-ball 54 with the help of eight fours and one six.
Earlier, Nepal bowled out the Netherlands for a mere total after a brilliant bowling display. Nepal bowled out the Dutch side for 137 runs in 39 overs, putting them to bat first.
Nepal were all over the Dutch team since the beginning as Sompal Kami picked up a wicket in the very first over. Max O’Dowd had to walk back in the sixth over after a mixup with his partner. Sybrand Engelbrecht and Bas de Leede were building the partnership but Rajbanshi dismissed Engelbrecht (23) ending the partnership at 38. He soon dismissed de Leede too for 27.
Kushal Bhurtel, playing his 50th ODI shined with a ball. He rattled the lower order including the wicket of Wesley Barresi and skipper Scott Edwards, who top-scored with 33 runs. He picked up four wickets, grabbing his best ODI figure (7-0-20-4).
The Netherlands were 97/4 at one stage but went on to lose six wickets for just 40 runs. Rohit Paudel also grabbed one wicket whilst two came in the form of run-out.
Nepal left out Pawan Sarraf and Karan KC on the bench and were playing with fewer bowling options. But Kushal Bhurtel stepped up and did damage to the Dutch side.
Brief Score: Netherlands: 137 all-out (39 overs), Nepal: 141/1 (15.2 overs) – Nepal won by 9 wickets (with 208 balls remaining)
