KATHMANDU, Aug 19: Nepal recorded its first victory in the ongoing Top and T20 Series in Australia.
In its fourth match on Tuesday, Nepal defeated Hobart Hurricanes Academy by 66 runs, having lost all three previous games. With this win, Nepal moved up to eighth place in the 11-team tournament.
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Chasing Nepal’s target of 181 runs, Hobart was bowled out for 114 in 16.1 overs. Bradley Hope scored the highest for the Hurricanes with 31 runs, while Charlie Wakim made 28 and Jack Curtain contributed 21. Seven other batsmen failed to reach double digits.
Nandan Yadav led Nepal’s bowling attack, taking five wickets while conceding only 17 runs in three overs, marking his best performance in the national jersey. Captain Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rijan Dhakal, and Kushal Bhurtel each claimed a wicket.
Batting first at Darwin’s Kajalis Arena after winning the toss, Nepal scored 180 for 7 in the allotted overs. Arif Sheikh made the top contribution with 33 runs, followed by Asif Sheikh (29), Kushal Bhurtel (27), and Bhim Sarki (18). Lokesh Bam remained not out with 25 runs. Captain Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla failed to reach double digits. Nepal conceded 31 extras.
For Hobart, Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Raf Macmillan took two wickets each.
Nepal will play its fifth match against Melbourne Renegades Academy on Wednesday.
