Kathmandu – The Nepal Under-16 Men’s National Team opened their ACC U-16 Eastern Region Tournament with a commanding 225 runs victory over Thailand at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval on Wednesday.
Nepal U16 managed 269 runs for eight wickets in 35 overs after winning the toss. Opener Niraj Yadav top scored with cracking 74 runs. He smacked seven fours and four sixes in his 43-ball knock. Naren Bhatt made an unbeaten 55 from 43 balls, whereas Santosh Yadav and Suryanshu Koirala also contributed brisk 42 and 40 runs, respectively.
For Thailand, Natpakhan Manowon, Phanuwat Desungnoen and Eeshan Banerjee pocketed two wickets each.
In response, Thailand U16 were wrapped up for mere 44 runs in 13.2 overs in front of a formidable Nepalese bowling attack. Seven Thai batters were dismissed for a duck, while only two batters could score a double-digit figure. Eeshan Banerjee and Danuphon Fuangyotpinit made 16 and 12 runs, respectively.
Santosh Yadav was a pick of a bowler for Nepal. He bagged an impressive five-wicket haul and ended up with a figure of 3.2-1-8-5. Ashok Dhami and Abhisekh Tiwari supported well, grabbing three and two wickets respectively.
Santosh Yadav was adjudged player of the match for his terrific bowling display.
The Nepalese side will face Malaysia U16 at Bayuemas Oval, Bangi, on 30 June.
