Nepal bites dust in a nail-biting final practice match

Published On: September 25, 2017 05:39 PM NPT

KATHMANDU, Sept 25: Center for Sports Science's (CSS) Wilkins Victor’s all-round performance sink Nepal by five runs in fourth and final 50 overs practice match of the Chennai tour played at Sri Ramachandra Medical College Ground.

Wilkins came back to pick up three late wickets after helping CSS to reach 215 in their 50 overs losing all 10 wickets in the final ball of the innings. However, Arun Balaji was the star of the match for picking up a five-wicket-haul despite being introduced as the eight change bowler of the innings. Nepal lost their last seven wickets for 35 runs shared by Balaji and Victor.

The Nepali batting collapse started after Dipendra Airee was dismissed for 45 runs which included seven boundaries. Skipper Paras Khadka, opening the innings, missed his half-century by one run which included seven fours and one six. The top scorer of Nepali batting was Sagar Pun who followed up his 77 in the third match with another half-century managing seven fours and a couple of sixes in his innings of 69 runs. Nepal failed to finish the match as Binod Bhandari (15) was the only other double-digit scorer among the Nepal batsmen.

Earlier, Susan Bhari picked up three wickets supported by Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC’s two wickets each to limit the CSS score to 215 in exactly 50 overs. Wilkins Victor batting at number eight scored crucial 74 runs including nine fours and one six which salvaged a winning total for the CSS which was struggling at seven for 135 at one stage. Sompal Kami and Sagar Pun chipped in with one wicket each as CSS opener Ananth made crucial 45 runs at the start of the CSS innings.

Match Summary: 4th Practice Match
Nepal versus Center for Sports Science (CSS)
Date: September 25, 2017
Venue: Sri Ramachandra Medical College Ground
Toss: CSS (Bat)

CSS: 215/10 in 50 Overs
Nepal: 210/10 in 40.3 Overs

Result: CSS won by 5 Runs.

Nepal has wrapped up their practice tour and will return to Nepal for Dashain vacations before flying to Hong Kong to play next round of ICC World Cricket League matches on October 13 and 15.