The Nepalese national team has bagged a win against Houston Hurricanes in a warm-up game in Houston. Nepal emerged victorious by six runs in a tight contest at Prairie View Cricket Complex.
Chasing a target of 147 runs, the home side were off to a good start. But they started losing wickets at regular intervals and Nepal were in the driving seat. Lahiru Milantha top-scored with 33 runs whereas Ali Sheikh made 23.
24 runs were needed from the last two overs and Abinash Bohara took a wicket in the first ball of the penultimate over but then conceded 14 runs from the over. Karan Kc was handed the ball in the last over with ten runs to defend. He picked up one wicket and conceded just three runs to win it for Nepal.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami and Karan KC picked up two wickets each. Kushal Bhurtel, Sagar Dhakal, Abinash Bohara and Rohit Paudel also got one wicket each.
Earlier, Nepal posted 146/8 on the board after being invited to bat first at Prairie View Cricket Complex, Houston. Both Openers Kushal Bhurtel (1) and Aasif Sheikh (4) walked back cheaply. Anil Sah and Rohit Paudel then drove the inning forward.
Rohit Paudel scored 23 runs before Kushal Malla was dismissed for a sluggish 12 runs. Anil Sah top-scored with 47 runs whereas Gulshan Jha also made vital 20 runs. Sundeep Jora notched up 21 runs whilst Karan Kc remained unbeaten for 10 runs.
Nepal and Houston Hurricanes also played a super over after a game. Houston made 15 runs against Abinash Bohara. For Nepal, Kushal Malla smacked first two balls for a maximum and a boundary in the fourth ball to seal a victory.
Nepal came to the USA after winning the three-match T20 series 2-1 against Windward Volcanoes. They will play another game against the Houston Hurricanes tomorrow before playing the official warmup games of the T20 World Cup 2024.
