KATHMANDU, Aug 20: Nepal secured its second consecutive victory in the ongoing Top & T20 Series in Australia’s Northern Territory.
In Wednesday’s fifth match, Nepal defeated Melbourne Renegades Academy by 33 runs. Chasing Nepal’s target of 140, the Renegades were bowled out for 106 in 20 overs. Arjun Nair scored the highest 26 runs for the Renegades, while Jay Lemir made 18 and Harry Dixon 16.
Sompal Kami starred for Nepal with a 5-wicket haul, conceding just 17 runs in 4 overs. Kushal Bhurtel took 2 wickets, while Rupesh Singh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Shahbaz Alam claimed 1 wicket each.
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Earlier, Nepal batted first after winning the toss, scoring 139 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Kushal Malla scored the highest 29 runs off 22 balls, including 1 four and 1 six. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 27 runs off 28 balls. Lokesh Bam added 24 runs from 16 balls, Bhim Sharki 17, and Arif Sheikh and Rupesh Singh 12 runs each.
For the Renegades, Fergus O’Neill, Lachlan Bangs, Callum Stowe, and Michael Archer took 2 wickets apiece.
Nepal had lost its first three matches by 42 runs against NT Strike, 32 runs to Bangladesh A, and 31 runs to Melbourne Stars, before recording back-to-back wins. On Tuesday, Nepal defeated Hobart Hurricanes by 66 runs in their fourth match.
With 4 points from 5 matches, Nepal now ranks seventh. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals. Nepal will face Pakistan Shaheens on Friday.
