Nepal thrash USA with Bhurtel century

By A Sraff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 17: Nepal produced a commanding performance on Saturday to secure a resounding nine-wicket victory over the United States in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Chasing a modest target of 196, Nepal reached 199 for the loss of just one wicket in 36.4 overs, powered by a superb unbeaten century from opener Kushal Bhurtel. He struck 120 not out from 118 deliveries, hitting four sixes and 13 fours in a fluent and composed innings. Fellow opener Aasif Sheikh provided excellent support with a well-crafted 58 off 72 balls, helping Nepal lay a strong foundation at the top of the order. Ishaan Pandey contributed 20 runs from 30 balls as Nepal comfortably completed the chase.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, the United States were bowled out for 195 in 43.3 overs. Despite reaching 153 for three, they suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 37 runs. Openers Smit Patel and Saurabh Netravalkar gave the visitors a solid start. Patel scored 83 from 89 balls, including three sixes and eight fours, while Netravalkar made 50 off 52 deliveries. Milind Kumar added 28 and Harmeet Singh contributed 14, but no other batter reached double figures.Nepal’s bowlers turned the game around, with Dipendra Singh Airee taking four wickets and Sompal Kami claiming two. Sandeep Lamichhane and Gulshan Jha picked up one wicket each.

With this result, Nepal has registered one win in the ongoing tri-series involving Scotland and the United States. Scotland currently lead the series and sit at the top of the League 2 standings, while Nepal remain seventh in the table with 20 points from 26 matches, needing strong results in their remaining fixtures to secure qualification hopes and maintain their One Day

International status.

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