Nepal U19 team has been bowled out for 152 runs against Pakistan U19 in the first match of the U19 Asia Cup 2023. 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.
