The Nepalese national cricket team has bagged a thrilling win against Canada in the first match of the Nepal-Canada bilateral series. Nepal emerged victorious by seven runs after a sensational turnaround at TU Cricket Ground. The home team now leads the three-match series 1-0.
Chasing a target of 225 runs, Canada were bowled out for 217 runs in 47.5 overs. They were marching towards a comfortable victory with 174/3 at one stage. But the Nepalese spinners’ magical spell helped the home team end up on the winning side.
Canada were in a comfortable situation of 114/3 after a 79-run partnership between Pargat Singh and Nicholas Kirton. Rohit Paudel broke the partnership dismissing Pargat for 50 runs. Kirton added another 60 runs with Harsh Thaker who scored 32 runs. Pawan Sarraf took an important wicket of Nicholas Kirton after scoring 68 runs. Canada had plenty of overs but still needed 30 runs with four wickets in hand. Rohit Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi then shared two wickets each to seal the victory for Nepal. From 174/3 to 217 all-out, Nepalese bowlers took the last seven wickets for just 43 runs.
For Nepal, Rohit Paudel shined with a ball. He took four wickets (8.5-2-22-4) and was adjudged player of the match. Lalit Rajbanshi grabbed two whilst debutant Rijan Dhakal, Sompal Kami, Kushal Malla and Pawan Sarraf grabbed one wicket each.
The second and third matches of the series will be played on the 10th and 12th of February.
Earlier in the first innings, the Nepalese side were restricted to 224 runs. Opting to bat first at TU Cricket Ground, Nepal managed to score 224 runs before losing the last wicket in the very last ball of the inning. The opening duo added 48 runs before losing Aasif Sheikh (8) in the 10th over. Rohit Paudel (8) too followed him after a few overs.
Kushal Bhurtel kept going and completed his half-century in 44 balls. Eventually, he departed for 58-ball 62, including nine fours and one six. None of the pair could establish a big foundation after Bhurtel’s dismissal as Nepal was restricted to an average score.
Bhim Sharki and Kushal Malla walked back for 17 and 20. Aarif Sheikh scored a valuable 38 runs whereas Pawan Sarraf (15) was unable to do any special. Sompal Kami notched up 23-ball 27 with two sixes. Nepal managed to add just 49 runs from the last ten overs.
For Canada, Uday Bhagwan (8-1-40-3) was a pick of a bowler. Ishwarjot Sohi and skipper Saad bin Zafar grabbed two wickets each. Shahid Ahmadzai and Harsh Thaker also took one apiece.
Nepal’s Surya Tamang and Rijan Dhakal were handed an ODI debut cap in this match.
