KATHMANDU — Nepal’s long-standing dream to play in the ICC U19 World Cup, 2018 has shattered after the team crashed out of the ICC U-19 qualifier for the Asian region underway in Singapore, following a humiliating 96- run defeat against Afghanistan today.
For an entry into the world cup, Nepal had to defeat Afghanistan with a wide- margin score. In earlier one match, Nepal faced a defeat at the hands of Afghanistan.
In earlier matches under double round robin format, Nepal had thrashed other participating Malaysia and host Singapore. Before today’s match, Afghanistan led the table with 10 points while Nepal stood second with eight points. However, Afghanistan entered the world cup.
As in today’s match, Nepal, which hit the ground to chase the 196 runs target set by Afghanistan, was limited to mere 99 runs in 40.6 overs at the loss of all wickets. A disastrous start suffered the team with the loss of one wicket for just 10 runs in 5.2 overs. Sandip Sunar made six runs before he was sent packing. The team further suffered following the dismissal of Another Aashif Shekh in just another over. He scored just two runs. Likewise, another Pranit Thapa Magar could not open an account while Anil Sah was confined to six runs. Nepal had lost four wickets for just 23 runs in just 10.4 overs.
For the team, Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 48 runs from 81 balls with one six and seven boundaries.
Put into bat first, Afghanistan secured 195 runs in 46.5 overs in the stipulated 50 overs at the loss of five wickets.
For the team, openers Ibrahim Zadran and Naveed Obaid made 101 and 22 runs respectively. Zadran scored the runs from 114 balls with five sixes and seven fours.
For Nepal, Shahab Alam took four wickets while Airee claimed three and captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Pawan Sarraf took a wicket each. RSS
