Nepal posted a 234-run target for Papua New Guinea in the second match of the one-day series at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
Elected into batting after winning the toss, Nepal made a competitive 233 runs in 49.3 overs by losing all wickets. At one stage, Nepal were two down for 9 runs as both openers were dismissed cheaply.
Gyanendra Malla and Rohit Kumar Paudel steadied the ship with 89 run-partnership for the third wicket. Malla contributed 45 runs off 70 balls including three boundaries and two sixes, before he was trapped in front of Soper’s bowling.
Binod Bhandari came to the crease and contributed 17 runs before he was runout. Kushal Malla failed to contribute with the bat once again. He made one run, facing five deliveries.
When Sompal Kami was dismissed for 11 runs, the score read 166-6 with 60 balls left. Then came the vital 66-run partnership between Rohit Kumar Poudel and Karan KC for the seventh-wicket lifted the team’s total towards a competitive score. Karan KC’s blazing 26 ball-42 runs innings towards the end helped the team in a strong position. He smashed four sixes and two fours. However, when he fell at 48.3 overs, the wicket started to tumble.
Rohit Poudel followed shortly, making a well-compiled 86 runs off 123 balls with three sixes and two boundaries, his highest in his ODI career.
Nepal lost their last four wickets for just one run and was dismissed for 233 in 48.3 overs.
For PNG, Chad Soper was the pick of the bowlers, he grabbed three wickets. Kabua Morea and Norman Vanua shared two wickets apiece.
Earlier in the first one-day, Nepal had defeated Papua New Guinea by two wickets.
