Kathmandu- Scotland won a close thriller against Nepal by just 3 runs in the ICC WCL Championship despite batting brilliance from Anil Mandal, who scored 100 runs off just 93 balls, to carry Nepal close to the target at Ayr, Scotland on Wednesday. Anil’s hundred is the first hundred for a Nepal batsman in List A cricket.
Chasing, 236 runs in 36 overs, Nepal started slowly through Mandal and Mahesh Chhetri, with the duo sharing first wicket partnership of 44 runs before Mahesh got out for 21 runs off 39 balls. Gyanendra joined in, and soon got out for just 19 runs.
Mandal then shared a partnership of 139 runs that set the tone of the match, and brought Nepal closer to winning the match. Khadka got out in fourth ball of 35th over, leaving Nepal need 21 runs off just 8 balls. Paras made 77 runs off 57 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Mandal followed him in the first ball of last over leaving task accomplished. Though, Sompal Kami blasted six, and a four in the last over, Nepal fell 3 runs short. Mandal hit eight fours, and a six in his innings.
Earlier, Nepal won the toss, and decided to field first. Scottish Skipper, Preston Mommsen lead his team playing a magnificent innings. His 78 runs from 58 balls came at a time when Scotland were struggling at 101/5 in 21.1 overs.
He shared a partnership of 113 runs in just 12.4 over with Con De Lange, who eventually finished unbeaten on 55 runs. Basant Regmi took 2 wickets, while Sompal, Karan, and Paras took a wicket each for Nepal.
The match was reduced to 36 overs due to wet outfield. Nepal takes Scotland on the second match on Saturday.
