Nepal wins the last series of CWC League 2 with a stunning comeback victory over UAE at Dubai International Stadium. UAE fall 42 runs short of their 230-run mark.
Nepal currently needs four victories out of four in the last Tri-Series on home soil against the UAE and PNG to secure a straight ticket in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, they just need two wins to overtake the USA in the rankings and ensure their ODI status. With 32 points from 32 games, Rohit Paudel’s team has moved up to fifth place.
Despite having a healthy lead of 122/2 at one point, UAE were bowled out for 187 in the 45th over. Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami were the culprits for UAE taking continuous fast wickets. Both players took three wickets. Aarif Sheikh and Karan Kc both took one. Sandeep Lamcihhane sealed the deal in the 45th minute by removing Zahoor Khan.
Only Asif Khan and Aryan Lakra caused problems for Nepali bowlers. Asif scored 82 runs, while Aryan scored 50. Vriitya Aravind, who scored 13 runs, was the only third UAE hitter to reach double figures.
Nepal had previously scored 229/8 in the stipulated 50 overs. Despite a rough start, Bhim Sharki’s anchoring inning allowed the visitors put up a respectable total after electing to bat first.
Nepal lost Aasif Sheikh early in the game after a fantastic catch by Aayan Khan. Gyanendra Malla was again again caught LBW in the ninth over as the visitors were two down within the powerplay. Three overs later, Rohit Walke returned cheaply, followed by Kushal Malla, who struck 32 runs off 32 balls. The situation deteriorated when Dipendra Singh Airee was also removed without doing something exceptional, and Nepal were reduced to 68/5 in the 18th over.
Nepal has won again in the current CWC League 2 series
Sandeep Lamichhane was inserted at number six, where he scored 27 runs and combined 56 runs for the sixth wicket with Bhim Sharki. Bhim scored his first ODI fifty and added 56 runs for the seventh wicket with Aarif Sheikh. Bhim batted for 70 runs, hitting seven fours, before being caught by Rohan Mustafa in the 45th over.
Karan Kc and Pratish GC finished with brief cameos of 11-ball 17 and six-ball 11, respectively. However, Aarif Sheikh ended the inning with a six in the penultimate ball, extending his unblemished streak to 43 runs.
Junaid Siddique was the UAE bowler of choice, with three wickets. Aryan Lakra and Rohan Mustafa each took two wickets, while Karthik Meiyappan took one.