Nepal wins its first ODI series

Paras Khadka becomes first Nepali batsman to score an ODI century

KATHMANDU, Jan 29: Nepal’s national cricket team captain Paras Khadka inscribed his name in history books for scoring 115 runs against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a successful run chase of 255 to secure Nepal’s first-ever One-Day International (ODI) series. Khadka smashed 15 boundaries and a six as Nepal defeated the host country by four wickets at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Monday. 

Nepal had lost the first match of the bilateral series on Friday but bounced back to win the second match on Saturday and clinched the series 2-1 with Monday’s victory.

Khadka also became the first cricket captain of Nepal to secure a series win against an ODI nation. Similarly, he was adjudged the player of the match and series for his 156 runs and four wickets in three matches. His economy rate of 3.85 runs per over was the lowest among all the bowlers who bowled at least 15 overs in the series. Likewise, he also holds the record for most boundaries in an innings with a total of 16.

During the final match of the series, Nepal sealed victory with 32 balls remaining. Shaiman Anwar’s 87 and Mohammad Boota’s unbeaten 59 runs had propelled the UAE to 254 runs for the loss of six wickets at the end of 50 overs after Nepal won the toss and invited the home team to bat first. Similarly, Khadka’s innings was supported by vice-captain Gyanendra Malla’s 31 and Sompal Kami’s unbeaten 26 runs to secure the historic result.

It was Nepal’s second ODI series following a draw in the two-match series against the Netherlands in August 2018 after securing ODI status in March the same year. Similarly, Nepal entered the official ICC ODI rankings with 152 points at 15th position behind the UAE at 14. England tops the rankings.