Aarif, Gulshan script remarkable win in UK

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 16, 2025

Nepal have started their preparation tour in the UK for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 with a three-wicket victory over Cardiff UCCE on Friday at the Newport Cricket Club. Nepal chased down 213 runs in 37.5 overs after a disastrous start to the chase.

Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jha partnered for 134 runs for the seventh wicket. Aarif remained unbeaten on 72 off 98, striking four boundaries and two maximums, while Gulshan scored 80 runs with seven boundaries and five sixes from 72 deliveries.

Nepal’s top order failed to deliver. Kushal Bhurtel (duck), Anil Sah (duck), and Bhim Sharki (one) all walked back inside the first three overs, all caught in the slip cordon.

At 18/5 after six overs, Captain Dipendra Singh Airee (22) and Aarif Sheikh added 38 runs before Gulshan Jha joined Aarif at the crease.

Cardiff’s Alfie Cutmore picked up three wickets, finishing with 3/44 from eight overs. Caniston Gunaratnam claimed two wickets, while Christopher Cole and Ash Lakhani shared one each.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Cardiff UCCE posted 212 from 42.3 overs. Will Tripcony was the standout performer, scoring 118 from 124 deliveries with 13 boundaries and four sixes.

Nepal’s spinners ran through the Cardiff UCCE lineup, claiming eight of the ten wickets. Kushal Bhurtel led the attack with 4 for 30 from 9 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee (2/5), Lalit Rajbanshi (2/31), Sompal Kami (1/35), and Rijan Dhakal (1/21) also contributed with key wickets.