The Nepalese national cricket team has won the trophy of the SMS Friendship Cup in Gujarat, India. Nepal defeated Gujarat Cricket Association by 18 runs at Sai Meghpan Sports Ground on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, Nepal piled up 176/4 in the allotted 20 overs. The openers Kushal Bhurtel (19-ball 21) and Aasif Sheikh (run-a-ball 34) yielded a slow start. Skipper Rohit Paudel led from the front and played the captain’s knock. He scored 74 runs from 47 balls, hammering five fours and four sixes. Kushal Malla played a blistering knock at the end and hammered 13-ball 31* with the help of two sixes and fours each. DS Airee and Sundeep Jora contributed three-ball seven each.
Jaymeet Patel, Tejas Patel, Shen Patel, and Yuvraj Zala picked up one wicket each for Gujarat.
In response, Gujarat were able to score 158/8 falling short by 16 runs. Skipper Umang Rohit top-scored with 40 runs from 28 balls. Arya Desai scored 36 runs whilst Rudra Patel contributed 17 runs.
Abinash Bohara was the pick of a bowler for Nepal. He grabbed three wickets and ended with a figure of 4-0-26-3. Dipendra Singh Airee picked up two (4-0-13-2) whereas Karan KC and Kushal Malla pocketed one each.
Nepal, Gujarat Cricket Association, and Baroda Cricket Association engaged in a Tri-Series at Vapi, India.
The Nepalese team will now travel to Oman to defend the title of ACC Premier Cup.
