Opening batsman Khakurel (115 off 142) achieved fourth international century for Nepal and highest run by individual batsman as Nepal reached 258/8 in 50 overs. [break]
Khakurel´s innings included 10 fences and two sixes. In bowling Regmi (10-1-35-5) pocketed five wickets to restrict the US to 226 runs in 48.2 overs despite SS Nadkarni´s 84 off 106.
Achieving his first century for Nepal, the 19-year old Khakural surpassed previous highest 106 runs record for Nepal set by Shakti Gauchan against Italy. Gauchan had set the record remaining unbeaten against Italy during ICC World Cricket League Qualifier in Malaysia in 2005. Raju Khadka (unbeaten 105) against Bhutan in 2003 and Sarad Vesawakar (unbeaten 105) against Fiji in 2010 are the other batsmen to surpass century mark.
"I am glad that my 115 runs were able to help the team beat the USA in this match," Khakurel said adding, "I´m feeling great after scoring this century because I was a bit worried due to the swing from the pace bowlers at the beginning, but I managed to build my confidence by picking lots of singles and build from there."
Skipper Paras Khadka credited hard team effort for his side´s win. "Playing top teams like the US will always be a close encounter and credit should go to all the players for the hard fought win. It was a great team performance from Nepal and we deserve the win today."
Khakural, the opener wicketkeeper survived run out scare on 22 runs before being caught in the 48th over by wicketkeeper SR Tylor off EH Hutchinson delivery. He got 50 runs in 85 balls and reached century in 135 balls that included eight fours and a six. Khakurel got yet another lifeline on 71 runs after skipper Steve Massiah dropped him at the cover.
With the result, Nepal has advantage over other teams to qualify for Division 3 and final. Only some extraordinary results on Sunday would deny the team a place in the final. If Nepal beats Denmark and USA beats Singapore on Sunday, Nepal and one team among USA, Denmark and Singapore with best net run rate will qualify for the Final and Division 3.
At the Kinrara Academy Ovel in Kuala Lumpur, Nepal made a cool beginning loosing first wicket for 111 runs. Gyanendra Malla paired for 81 runs with Khakurel after his opening partner Anil Mandal (20) retired hurt with 30 runs on board. Mandal had scored 12 runs before retiring hurt. Malla the second highest run scorer for Nepal (46-59-5-0) smashed 46 off 59 before being caught in 28.6 over.
Skipper Paras Khadka (41 off 34) paired for 69 runs with Khakurel before being run out in 39.2 overs. Pradeep Aire (14) was the other batsmen to score double digit figure for Nepal.
Though Nepali tail-enders could not score significant individual runs, Nepal collected 74 runs during last 10 overs.
TP Allen got two wickets while EH Hutchinson, Usman Sujhu and RG Corns had a share in a wicket each.
America came off with impressive style in its run chase hitting two fences during first two balls of the first over. But it lost its opening batsman Tylor with 19 runs on board and was 35/2 by 10 overs.
Nadkarni´s (84-106-5-3) super inning was undone by brilliant catch of Binod Das off Sanjam Regmi balls before he could win it again for USA. Nadkarni´s got his third half-century in four matches against Nepal. His innings included 5 four and 3 sixes.
Skipper Massiah (41 off 42) was bowled by Basanta along with TP Allen (29 off 39) trapped LBW and RG Crons (12 off 18). EH Hutchinson remained unbeaten on 12 runs while none other could get double digit figure. Sanjam and Shakti Gauchan got two scalps each while Amrit Bhattarai claimed one.
In other matches played on Friday, Denmark beat Malaysia by three wickets and Singapore achieved eight wicket win over Tanzania.
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