ICC/Kuala Lumpur: Nepal got off to a winning start at the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 4 (WCL Div. 4) tournament in Malaysia today after Paras Khadka’s side beat Singapore by five wickets despite losing early wickets when chasing down the small total of 112.
Nepal overcame Singapore by five wickets at the Selangor Turf Club in a low-scoring match. Singapore was bowled out for 111 in 39.5 overs after opting to bat first, while Anish Param was the top-scorer for Singapore with 31. Amrit Bhattarai (4-28) and Basanta Regmi (3-30) were the leading wicket-takers for Nepal.
In its reply Nepal slipped to 47 for five after lunch in a worrying start for Khadka’s side. Pradeep Airee (34 not out) and Shakti Gauchan (18 not out) added unbeaten 65 runs for the sixth wicket to lead Nepal home in 24.5 overs after the duo stabilised the Nepalese innings to secure victory.
“Amrit got the ball rolling for us with his fine performance and we took advantage of the early wicket to unsettle the opponent. It was not one of the easiest wickets to bat on but the middle order guys kept their cool and went on to win the match for us,” said Khadka.
In the other matches of the day, Denmark beat Tanzania by 88 runs and USA secure a 70 runs victory over Malaysia.
Match Summary:
Singapore 111 all out, 39.5 overs (Anish Param 31; Amrit Bhattarai 4-28, Basanta Regmi 3-30)
Nepal 112-5, 24.5 overs (Pradeep Airee 34 not out, Shakti Gauchan 18 not out; Mahboob 3-37)
Nepal won by five wickets
Player of the Match: Amrit Bhattarai (Nepal)
