Nepal, winning the toss and deciding to field first, restricted PNG to a low score of 48 runs in 28.2 overs (50-over match) as Sunil picked up five wickets conceding only 15 runs in 10 overs that also included a maiden at Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur.Aarif Sheikh, who also lifted Nepali team with his bowling, claimed three wickets in 8.2 overs as he conceded only seven runs. Aarif was frugal in maintaining four maiden overs. Sushil Kandel pocketed a wicket for Nepal.
Nepali bowlers maintained their tight grip over PNG from the beginning, claiming six wickets within 9.5 overs with only 10 runs on the board. PNG was on 23/9 in 19.3 overs but the last pair of Nou Toua, who remained not out on 11 runs off 31 balls, shared 25 runs for the 10th wicket with Lohia Guba, who added 13 runs off 27 balls. Aarif broke the partnership taking Lohia's wicket in the second ball of 29th over. Lohia hit two fours and Nou hit a boundary.
In reply, Nepal chased paltry target of 49 runs in 9.1 overs with player-of-the-match Sunil's not out 24 runs off 35 balls and Yogendra Singh Karki's not out 16 runs off 15 balls. Sunil and Yogendra shared 38 runs stand for the second wicket after opener Sandeep Sunar lost his wicket scoring 4 runs off 6 balls in 2.4 overs. Sunil and Yogendra both hit two fours.
Meanwhile, USA beat Uganda by six wickets in another match of the day at Royal Selangor Club.
Batting first, Uganda posted 167 runs in 45.2 overs and USA chased 168 runs target in 40.2 overs losing four wickets as Sagar Patel remained not out on 66 runs off 114 runs and Tohidul Islam hit not out 50 runs off 55 balls.
Nepal will face Uganda in its second match on Friday.
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Nepal beats PNG by 52 runs
