Nepal has posted a total of 281 runs against Kuwait in the semifinal of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Invited to bat first at TU Cricket Ground, Rohit Paudel’s 94 and Kushal Malla’s entertaining inning helped Nepal post a decent score in the rain halt clash.
Openers Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel yielded a terrific start for the home side, adding 76 runs from the powerplay. Bhurtel walked back for a 39-ball 43 in the 11th over. Bhim Sharki (1) was dismissed cheaply in the next over, followed by Aasif Sheikh in the successive over. Aasif made 31, smacking three sixes.
BOOM BOOM Kushal Malla!! a quick-fire 50 from him today in just 42 balls, Well played Champ!!#NEPvKUW #ACCPremierCup pic.twitter.com/0AT0xXudqi
— cricnepal.com 🇳🇵 🦏 (@cricnepal) April 29, 2023
Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla then boosted Nepal’s inning with 109 runs partnership for the fourth wicket. Malla entertained the crowd with 44-ball 57, hammering four sixes and fours boundaries. Nepal were 141/3 at that stage and the play was halted due to the rain on the 24th over. The match was reduced to 42 overs each after the delay.
A terrific inning from Rohit Paudel comes to an end. The crowd stand up and applauds.
94 runs from 95 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes.#NEPvsKUW #ACCPremierCup pic.twitter.com/nrVvyJaRot— cricnepal.com 🇳🇵 🦏 (@cricnepal) April 29, 2023
Aarif Sheikh then contributed to run a ball 19 runs. Meanwhile, Rohit Paudel anchored the inning till the end and scored 94 runs before being dismissed with an over to spare. He hammered seven fours and three sixes from 95 balls. Sompal Kami also assisted with 13 runs for his side. Eventually, Nepal posted 281 for 9 after the end of 42 overs.
For Kuwait, Adnan Idrees and Mohammad Islam picked up three wickets each. Yasin Patel and Sayed Monib also grabbed one wicket each.
