Bhurtel hundred headlines Nepal’s commanding win over USA

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 16, 2026

Nepal secured a commanding nine-wicket win over USA in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 after standout career-best performances from Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee at the TU International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

USA, led by stand-in captain Saiteja Mukkamalla, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Regular skipper Monank Patel was rested due to a suspected injury, while Jasdeep Singh also missed out, with left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige coming into the XI.

Nepal made three changes, handing an ODI debut to Ishan Pandey, while Kushal Bhurtel and Sompal Kami returned in place of Arjun Kumal, Binod Bhandari and Karan KC.

USA were bowled out for 195 in 43.3 overs, struggling with poor running between the wickets and a lack of contributions from the middle order. Smit Patel top-scored with 83 off 89 balls, striking eight boundaries and three sixes after surviving an early reprieve. Shehan Jayasuriya added a half-century before getting caught by Gulshan Jha at long-off.

For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee produced his best ODI bowling figures of 4 for 24 from 7.3 overs. Sompal Kami took 2 wickets, while Gulshan Jha and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one each.

In reply, Nepal dominated from the outset as Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh registered fourth century opening stand in ODIs for Nepal. Aasif made 58 in the stand.

Bhurtel remained unbeaten on 120 off 118 balls, striking 13 boundaries and four sixes, registering his highest ODI score and the highest by a Nepali batter in a successful chase.

Ishan Pandey remained not out on 20 as Nepal completed a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

The win keeps Nepal just one point behind Canada in the League 2 standings. Nepal will next face Scotland on Monday.