The Nepalese National Cricket Team registered a win against the Gujarat Cricket Association in the opening match of SMS Friendship Cup T20 Tri-Series. Nepal bagged a comfortable eight-wicket win at Sai Meghpan Sporrtslife Ground, Gujarat on Sunday.
Chasing a tiny target of 99 runs, Nepal completed a chase in 15.2 overs, losing two wickets. Kushal Bhurtel was the first man to be dismissed in the fifth over. He made 17 runs with two biggies before departing. His opening partner, Aasif Sheikh scored run-a-ball 16 before being sent back in the next over.
Anil Sah and skipper Rohit Paudel then shared an unbeaten 65-run partnership for the third wicket to secure a victory. Anil Sah scored 32 (35 balls) with three fours and one six. Rohit finished things with a boundary and notched up 33 runs from 26 balls.
Tejas Patel and Hemang Patel picked up one wicket each for the losing side.
Earlier in the first innings, Gujarat were wrapped up for a mere 98 runs in 18.2 overs after being asked to bat first.
Gujarat lost the first wicket in the third over for 19 runs and that didn’t stop. Nepalese bowlers consistently took wickets at regular intervals, preventing Gujarat batters from forming substantial partnerships. Opener Rudra Patel top scored with 23 runs before being run out by Dipendra Singh Airee. Hemang Patel scored 20 whereas Saral Prajapati made 17 runs.
For Nepal, pace bowlers did a terrific job. Gulshan Jha was the pick of a bowler, taking four wickets (4-0-22-4). Karan KC took three (3.2-0-22-3) while Sompal Kami pocketed one (4-0-14-1).
Nepal will play their second match on April 2 against Baroda.
