Kathmandu- Skipper Paras Khadka blasted a wonderful century to guide Nepal to a Seven wickets win over Eastern Invitational XI in the third practice match played at Benoni, South Africa on Monday.
Nepal 259/3 46.2 OV defeated Eastern Invitational XI 256/10 48.3 OV by 7 wickets
Nepal chased a good target of 257 runs set by Eastern Invitational XI, riding on Captain Khadka’s 123 not out off just 114 balls that included 15 fours and 2 sixes and a half century from Vice-captain Gyanendra Malla. Though Malla was slow, he shared an vital partnership with the Skipper and assisted him throughout the innings. After Malla’s dismissal, Sharad Vesawkar came in and finished things off with a fluent 21* off 28 balls.
Nepal openers Naresh Budhayer and Subash Khakurel failed to provide a good opening for a third consecutive time as the former was out for just 3 runs. Khakurel, however, contributed 32 runs off 40 balls before being out.
Earlier, three wickets from Paras Khadka, two wickets each from Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Shakti Gauchan helped Nepal restrict Eastern Invitational XI for 256 runs in 48.3 overs. Jurier Synman and JP Kok scored 67 & 53 runs respectively for Eastern Invitational XI. GC Pretorius played a blazing inning of 84 (63) to ensure a respective total towards the end of the inning.
Nepal finished their South African tour with two wins and a loss in three matches. Nepal lost to Eastern Academy Team by 57 runs in the first match while they defeated Mpumalaga Cricket Union by 64 runs in the second practice match.
Nepal will start their Division 2 campaign against Uganda on January 17.
