Nepal overcomes Malaysia to keep World Cup hopes alive

Published On: July 25, 2017 02:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, July 24: Sandeep Lamichhane completed seven wickets haul as Nepal registered a five-wicket win over Malaysia in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup Division -1 Asia Qualifiers on Monday.

Nepali youth team which has slim chance of qualifying for the World Cup to be held next year in New Zealand, has now extended its points tally to eight from five matches to increase the pressure on table topper Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan continued its winning form by defeating Singapore by 224 runs in the other match of the day to accumulate 10 points from five matches.

The Afghan side which is on the top of the table, has better run rate and to book the place in world cup, second-placed Nepal will have to register a big-margin win against the table topper in a crucial clash on Tuesday.

In the match played at the Indian Association Ground, Nepal which opted for bowling, sent Malaysia packing for 89 runs in 35.1 overs. In reply, Nepal raced to 92-5 in 22.2 overs.

Highest wicket-taker of the tournament Sandeep Lamichhane continued his fine form as he has now extended his tally to 23 wickets. Player of the match Sandeep, who had pocketed five wickets each in the first two matches against Singapore and Malaysia, dismissed seven batsmen of the latter side on Monday.

Malaysia's Ammar Hazalan and Naim Nazley were out for duck in Sandeep's deliveries while Syed Aziz (46), Virandeep Singh (10), Muhammad Amir (2), Muhammad Hafiz (1), Hafizuddin (2) also were dismissed in Nepali captain's bowling. To demolish the Malaysian innings, Shahab Alam claimed two wickets while Rijian Dhakal added another.
Despite producing the victory over Malaysia for the second time in the tournament that is being held in double round robin league format, Nepal's batting woes continued. Two batsmen including Aadil Khan and Prakash KC were out for duck while the remaining players also couldn't make impressive runs. Rohit Kumar Paudel's 34 runs off 37 balls was Nepal's highest individual contribution while unbeaten Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 19 runs facing 29 balls. Earlier, openers Sandeep Sunar and Anil Sah collected 15 and 12 runs respectively. Likewise, Pranit Thapa Magar added just eight runs for the winning side.

Virandeep Singh was pick of the Malaysian bowlers as he pocketed three wickets while Hafizuddin added two wickets.