The Nepalese U19 team piled up a massive score against Iran U19 in the opening match of the ACC U19 Premier Cup. A quick-fire ton from skipper Dev Khanal and half-centuries from Deepak Bohara and Dipak Dumre helped Nepal post 353 runs on the board before losing all ten wickets in just 40.1 overs.
After being invited to bat first at YSD UKM Oval, Nepal had a fumbling start losing two early wickets. Arjun Kumal (Golden duck) and Aakash Tripathi (3) were sent back cheaply as Nepal were 10/2 in the fifth over.
Dev Khanal and Deepak Bohara then set a foundation of 166 runs for the third wicket. Khanal who smacked a half-century in 33 balls completed his ton in 59 balls and was dismissed in the very next ball. He hammered 12 fours and 4 sixes in his blistering inning. Swiftly, Bohara also followed him to the pavilion after scoring a 59-ball 65.
Dipak Dumre was the next star batter as he notched up 69 runs from just 44 balls. He hammered eight fours and two sixes. Dipesh Kandel added 22-ball 29 before Nepal lost three quick wickets.
The Nepalese side were on the verge of being wrapped up under 300 runs as they were 291/8 in the 33rd over. However, Nepal’s tail showed a significant display and helped the team post 353 runs. Number nine, 10 and 11 batters – Subash Bhandari, Hemant Dhami and Akash Chand contributed 18*, 23 and 19 runs respectively.
For Iran, Dadrahman Raeisi and Salman Niazmand picked up three wickets each. Samaan Sheikhi and Zeid Raeisi pocketed two wickets each. Iranian bowlers conceded 26 extra runs.
