Nepal U19 team has suffered a defeat in the first match of U19 Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan U19 defeated the Nepalese side by seven wickets at ICC Academy Ground No. 2, Dubai.
Chasing a mere target of 153 runs, Pakistan completed the chase in 26.2 overs losing three wickets. Nepal applied pressure by taking two early wickets, with Shamyl Hussain (0) and Shahzaib Khan (15) being dismissed by Gulshan Jha, leaving Pakistan at 23/2.
Azan Awais and Saad Baig then controlled the innings and shared a match-winning 108-run partnership for the third wicket. Baig departed after scoring 50 runs from 56 balls. Mohammad Zeeshan came and smacked eight-ball 20 and ended the match with a si. Awais remained unbeaten for 56 from 62 balls with the help of eight boundaries.
Earlier in the first innings, Nepal U19 were bowled out for 152. The Nepalese side were wrapped up in 47.2 overs following a fiery spell from the lanky fast bowler, Mohammad Zeeshan who grabbed a six-wicket haul.
Invited to bat first at ICC Academy Oval-2, Dubai, the Nepalese team faced significant challenges against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack. By the 17th over, they found themselves in a difficult situation, with a score of 46/5. Bipin Rawal (7), Aakash Tripathi (6), Dev Khanal (0), and Gulshan Jha (1) were dismissed with minimal contributions, while Arjun Kumal managed to score 21 runs.
Uttam Thapamagar and Dipesh Kandel made a concerted effort to revive Nepal’s innings, forming a resilient 68-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Dipesh contributed a determined 31 runs, featuring two fours and one six, before getting dismissed in the 34th over. However, the subsequent batters – Bishal KC (1) and Tilak Bhandari (0), were unable to provide adequate support to Uttam.
Uttam then completed a half-century and was dismissed swiftly following a smart follow-through catch from Amir Hassan. He made 51 runs from 76 balls, scoring three fours and two sixes. The last duo of Subash Bhandari (8*) and Akash Chand (5) added a vital 17 runs for the last wicket.
Mohammad Zeeshan rattled the Nepal inning and grabbed a brilliant six-wicket haul. He ended up with a figure of 9.2-1-19-6. Amir Hassan picked up two wickets whereas Ubaid Shah and Ali Afsand also pocketed one wicket each.
