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Raju ton inspires Nepal to empathetic win

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KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Skipper Raju Rijal's century inspired Nepal to a 171-run victory over Uganda on Friday in the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers being held in Malaysia. It was the second consecutive win for Nepal.

Nepal, winning the toss and opting to bat first at the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur, posted 242/7 in allotted 50 overs as Raju scored 101 runs facing 115 balls. Raju hit a six and seven boundaries.


It was the first century by a Nepali batsman in youth-level tournament since 2011. Faizlur Ramhan Khan was the last person to score century for Nepal when he smashed 101 runs off 99 balls against Oman in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup held in Thailand in 2011.

Nepal started its innings in a poor manner losing openers Sandeep Sunar (2) and Sunil Dhamala (7) within 4.1 overs with only 13 runs on board.

However, No 3 batsman Yogendra Singh Karki, who scored 30 runs facing 76 balls, shared a 84-run stand with player-of-the-match Raju for the third wicket to anchor the innings. Yogendra hit two fours.

Raju then shared a 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Aarif Sheikh, who completed his half century scoring 54 runs off 59 balls that included four fours. The partnership helped Nepal to post convincing score. Raju was caught by wicket-keeper Ashiraf Senkubuge off Derrick Bakunzi in the 42.4 overs.

Rajbir Singh remained not out on 13 runs-a-ball for Nepal.

Derrick bagged highest three wickets, while Kenneth Waiswa claimed two and David Waibire took a wicket for Uganda.

In reply, Nepal restricted the African side on 71 runs in 36.2 overs with a disciplined bowling from all six bowlers.

Nepal attacked Uganda batsmen from the very first over and kept on teasing the opposition batsmen throughout the innings.

Uganda was on 13/5 till the 11th over but skipper Derrick (18 runs off 60 balls) tried to extend the total score with John Gabula (not out on 25 runs off 76 balls) sharing 28 runs.

However, departure of Derrick in 26.1 overs after being stumped by Nepal skipper and wicket-keeper Raju off Dipendra Singh Airee left Uganda in miserable condition as tail-enders lost their wickets cheaply.

Dipendra Shrestha picked up highest three wickets conceding 25 runs in seven overs, while Aarif, the most economic bowler, claimed two wickets in 5.2 overs giving away only one run as he maintained four maiden overs.

Likewise, Dipendra Singh and Prem Tamang also pocketed two wickets each. Dipendra conceded 12 runs in six overs that also included two maiden overs, while Prem gave away 11 runs in six overs with one maiden over.

Sunil Dhamala, who bagged five wickets against Papua New Guinea on Thursday, picked up one wicket as he gave away 16 runs in six overs. He also maintained a maiden over.

Similarly, Sushil Kandel, although did not claim wicket, gave away only five runs in six overs with four maiden overs.

On Thursday, Nepal beat Papua New Guinea by nine wickets in the opener. Nepal will face the USA in its third match on Monday.

Meanwhile, in another match of the day, Ireland (271/10 in 48 overs) beat Papua New Guinea (160/10 in 36.4 overs) by 111 runs to win its opening match.


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