D-L dents Nepal’s qualifier hopes

Kathmandu, April 13

Nepal faced an one-run defeat against the United Arab Emirates in their second match of the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur today.

Batting first, Nepal were all out for 247 runs in their allotted 50 overs, while the UAE had reached 122-3 in 30 overs before rain halted the match. As further play was not possible, the UAE were set the target of 122 runs in 30 overs under Duckworth- Lewis method and they won the match by one run.

Slow start and loss of three wickets in the space of 18 runs cost Nepal the match and possibly the berth in the U-19 World Cup. Nepal were struggling at 11-5 in 25 overs before Hari Chauhan and Bhim Sharki helped the team post a challenging target.

Chauhan remained unbeaten on 67 off 74 balls, while Sharki struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 54-ball 53. Opener Rit Gautan scored 44 off 73 balls hitting three fours.

Nepal then reduced the UAE to 21-2 inside five overs but Vriitya Aravind and Ansh Tandon added 101 runs for the third wicket. Sagar Dhaka took a return catch to dismiss Tandon in the last ball before the rain stopped the play. Tandon struck four fours in his 85-ball 54. Aravind remained unbeaten on 47 off 82 balls.