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Nepal loses hard-fought encounter with Bangladesh

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Photo Courtesy: ICC Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane (C) celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh’s Nazmul Hossain Shanto (not pictured) with teammates in the quarterfinal match of the ICC U19 World Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh on Friday.
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KATHMANDU, Feb 6: Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Zakir Hasan shattered Nepal's dream of reaching a milestone in the ICC U-19 World Cup as the visitor faced a six-wicket defeat against Bengal Tiger in the quarterfinal of the youth world cup at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur in Dhaka on Friday.

With the defeat Nepal once again failed to reach the semifinal of the competition. Nepal had failed at the same stage during the 2000 competition. This is the first time Bangladesh has reached the semifinal of the competition.


Nepal, putting up a 212-run target, failed to stop Bangladesh chase as the host backed by home supporters achieved the target in 48.2 overs at the loss of four wickets.

Bangladesh reached the milestone as the pair of Mehedi and Zakir shared an unbeaten 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket to give life on shaky run chase of host.

The duo completed half centuries, with man-of-the-match Mehedi scoring 55 runs off 65 balls and Zakir contributing highest 75 runs off 77 balls. Mehedi hit three boundaries and Zakir hit a six and five boundaries.

Nepal had impressive start as Sunil Dhamala gave Nepal breakthrough in the seventh over taking Saif Hassan (5) with Bangladesh losing first wicket on 17 runs in the 6.3 over.

However, opener Pinak Ghosh (32 off 54) and Joyraz Sheikh (38 off 67) shared 46-run stand for the second wicket, but soon the host was on 98/4 in 28.1 over.

Nevertheless Nepal was unable to capitalize on the moment and failed to take any wicket after that as Mehedi and Zakir secured victory for Bangladesh.

Sunil Dhamala claimed two wickets and Sandeep Lamichhane took one wicket for Nepal.

Aarif Sheikh was not allowed to bowl later despite conceding only nine runs in five overs along with two maiden overs as well.

Earlier, winning the toss and opting to bat first, Nepal scored 211/9 in allotted 50 overs with skipper Raju Rijal hitting 72 runs off 80 balls with a six and eight fours.

Nepal however failed to make a decent start as it was reduced to 63/3 in 18.1 overs, however Raju anchored the innings sharing a 51-run stand with Aarif (21 off 32) for the fourth wicket and added 32 runs with Rajbir Singh (9) for the fifth wicket.

Dipendra Singh Airee (22 runs off 45), Prem Tamang (not out 22 runs off 24 balls) and Kushal Bhurtel (14 off 17) were the other batsmen to reach double figures as Nepal crossed 200 runs.

Nepal could have put more runs but four batsmen including skipper Raju himself were run out.

Mohammad Saifuddin bagged highest two wickets for Bangladesh.

After the defeat Nepal skipper Raj lamented for the team falling short of 25-30 runs.

"The four run-outs and the loss of five wickets in the middle overs cost us at least 25-30 runs. If we had got those runs we would have fought till the end," the ICC quoted Raju as saying. "But I am proud of the way the team has played in the tournament. Our aim is to finish with a good placing," he added.

While, Bangladesh skipper Mehedi commented that Nepal played best game against the host.

"It is so exciting to be part of the first Bangladesh team to enter the semi-final of a World Cup," a jubilant Mehedi said, adding, "I think Nepal played a very good game. They did their best with both bat and ball. They are a very good side that we have beaten today [Friday]."



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