The Nepalese Cricket team bagged four consecutive wins in the ACC Premier Cup. They defeated Saudi Arabia by six wickets in the over-reduced match.
Nepal is unbeaten in the tournament so far after winning all four matches in the group stage. They topped Group A with eight points from four matches.
The match against Saudi Arabia was reduced to eight overs each after a wet outfield and also an issue on the pitch. Nepal opted to field first after winning the toss.
Saudi Arabia managed to post a decent total of 73/7 in eight overs. Abdul Waheed top scored with 16-ball 37. Other batters were unable to make a big contribution. Nepal’s Abinash Bohara was the pick of a bowler with a spell of 2-0-15-2. Karan KC also did well grabbing two wickets (2-0-21-2). Pratish GC and Lalit Rajbanshi grabbed one wicket each whilst Dipendra Airee conceded just six runs from the last over.
Nepal had a fumbling start to the chase losing Kushal Bhurtel for a duck in the first over. Kushal Malla (2) and Aasif Sheikh (2) were also dismissed cheaply as Nepal were 15/3 in the third over. Dipendra Singh Airee then played a nine-ball 17-run knock to boost Nepal’s inning. Gulshan Jha scored the highest 32(19)* runs in the chase whereas captain Rohit Paudel added 16* runs. Nepal completed the chase with four balls spare.
Ishtiaq Ahmad’s terrific bowling spell of 2-0-7-2 was not enough for Saudi Arabia to grab the victory. Saudi Arabia were knocked out of the tournament after a defeat. Hong Kong progressed ahead with four points.
Nepal will now face UAE in the semifinal of the tournament. The winner of the ACC Premier Cup will qualify for the Asia Cup 2025.
