Despite defeat, Nepal Storm into semis

KATHMANDU, June 29: Nepal Storm faced its first defeat in the ongoing Asian Club Premier League (ACPL) as the Dubai Warriors beat table topper by seven wickets on Thursday. 

Despite the loss, Storm has qualified to the semifinals with eight points from five matches while Warriors sitting in the fourth place after Thursday's win, also secured its last four berth accumulating four points from five matches. 

Bangladesh Tigers which is in the second position with six points also cemented its place in the semifinals. 

In the match played at TU Cricket Ground, put into the bat first after winning the toss, Nepal scored a total of 123 runs in 19 overs while Warriors raced to the target in 16.4 overs losing out three wickets. 

Meanwhile, Storm's batting line up failed to replicate its form as none batsmen beside Gaurav Barabade and Pawan Chandel made decent runs. Gaurav stroked 30 runs off 31 balls while Pawan made 21 runs facing 24 balls. Likewise, Dishant Yadav scored 10 runs while none other batsmen touched double digit. Vijay Yadav was pick of the warriors' bowling as he pocketed four wickets while he was supported by Ali Malik who claimed three wickets. Pradeep Kumar added another for winning side. 

Unbeaten Dawood Ejaz struck highest 77 runs off 37 balls for Warriors while Abdul Shakoor made 20 runs facing 31 balls. Likewise, Sandeep Singh contributed 13 runs. Dishant Yadav, Malwinder and Gaurav Barbade claimed one wicket each for Storm.