Rohit slams first century in Nepal’s victory over West Indies ‘A’

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 27, 2024

Skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel slammed his first Twenty20 century against a strong West Indies ‘A’ side leading Nepal to a five-wicket victory in a five-match Series on Saturday.

In front of a raucous crowd at the TU Stadium, Rohit smashed his first ever century in the format to apply some ointment on the recent disappointment of a fourth place finish in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.

His century and Nepal’s sensational win against a strong side comes at a time when Nepal is preparing for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the US and Caribbean from June 1.

Rohit’s 54-ball 112 helped Nepal earn their highest ever chase in the shorter version of the game with West Indies posting an imposing 204-5.

The captain had scored an ODI ton in 2022 against Papua New Guinea but had to wait for his first Twenty20 century.

Nepal were playing catch up with the run rate despite losing their first three wickets with 82 runs on the board.

Rohit, who had already cleared his intent upon his arrival at the crease, did the majority of scoring in a 64-run stand with Dipendra Singh Airee (24).

The captain struck 10 fours and six sixes before he was dismissed with Nepal just 13 runs sigh of victory. Gulshan Jha (nine) and Pratis GC (five) negotiated with the remaining total with ease.

Matthew Forde (2-49) and Obed McCoy (2-34) shared four wickets between them for the Windies.

Earlier, late addition Kamal Singh Airee gave a dream start to Nepal bowling Johnson Charles for a duck in the last ball of the first over. Windies had already collected 16 runs in that over.

Another opener Alick Athanaze struck a 25-ball 47 hitting five fours and three sixes.

The innings for Windies somehow looked identical as West Indies were 86-3 before their captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty (38) got into the act with a 62-run partnership.

Chase top scored with a 46-ball 74 with nine fours and two sixes. On a pitch that supported the batsmen, Abinash Bohora bowled economically giving away just 28 runs in four overs, while picking up a wicket.