Nepal A kick up with slim defeat

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 18, 2024

Nepal ‘A’ faced a four-wicket defeat against Canada XI at Mulpani Cricket Ground in their first-ever match on Sunday. Canada XI led the three-match One Day series by 1-0.

Nepal posted a challenging 216 runs, losing eight wickets in 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Canada finished things off losing six wickets with three balls remaining.

Basir Ahmed rescued Nepal’s innings with a 55-ball half-century that included three boundaries and a six. He became the first-ever player to notch up a fifty in Nepal ‘A’ set-up. The Cricket Association of Nepal recently built their second-string side to strengthen the player pool. Rashid Khan’s 40 off 66 balls and Kiran Thagunna’s 32-ball 25 were other notable contributions for the home side.

Captain Saad Zafar was the top bowler for the losing side with 3-30 in his 10 overs.

Navneet Dhaliwal was adjudged as a player of the match for his 80 off 76 balls with five fours and a six. Nikhil Dutta contributed an unbeaten 115-ball 67 in their first win of the tour. He slammed five fours and a six in the match defining innings.

Shahab Alam was the leading bowler for Nepal 2-31 in his 10 overs including two maidens.