Vishwakarma claimed six wickets for three runs -- the best bowling figure in the tournament-- keeping four maiden overs against Papua New Guinea in the 13th place playoff on Thursday. [break] It was the third best bowling figure in the entire history of U-19 World Cup.
It is also the best economic bowling figure in the entire history of the U-19 World Cup. Based on a bowler bowling more than five overs in a match, Virender Sehwag had the best economic bowling figure in the U-19 World Cup history. Sehwag had taken three wickets bowling eight overs and giving only four runs keeping five maiden overs against Scotland in the U-19 World Cup 1998.
Vishwakarma´s economy on Thursday is the second best among the official youth One-Day matches. Earlier, Indian Gautam Dutta had set a record figure of 9-7-3-2 against England in 1993.Vishwakarma´s overall bowling figure on Thursday is the joint third best bowling figure in the entire official youth One-Day matches.
It is also the best bowling figure of Nepali bowler in the U-19 World Cup history. Earlier, Bhuwan Karki had taken five wickets for 21 runs against Namibia on Tuesday and was the best bowling figure of Nepali bowler in the U-19 World Cup history. Vishwakarma has taken 13 wickets in the ongoing tournament. England´s Reece Topley is on the top with 16 wickets in the tournament.
Vishwakarma, who was playing the second consecutive U-19 World Cup, took his wicket tally to 23, equal to Paras Khadka. Khadka playing three U-19 World Cups had claimed 23 wickets from 17 matches.
Six-wicket victory
Vishwakarma´s record performance in bowling ensured Nepal 13th position in the World Cup and a victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) by six wickets to end the tournament in a positive note.
He helped Nepal to bowl out PNG for 89 in 33.1 over. Nepal achieved the target in 18.5 overs losing four wickets. With the victory, Nepal is now ranked 13th among 16 participating teams.
At Peter Burge Oval, Brisbane, PNG won the toss and elected to bat first. They began cautiously and was positioned at a good foundation with 51/1 in 16th over before they lost the way and started losing wickets.
Vishwakarma played the chief destroyer ripping through PNG´s middle and lower order. He was also the one to run out the last man.
Captain Prithu Baskota took two wickets for 14 runs in five overs while Pradeep Airee took a wicket. For PNG, Sese Bau (21 runs) was the top scorer.
Nepal began with Sagar Pun attacking but lost Subash Khakurel without scoring in the third over. Pun (20 runs) and Naresh Budayer (27 runs) anchored the innings.
Pun, Budayer and Prithu Baskota (6 runs) all fell to Albert Geita, who was the debutant in Youth ODIs. Rajesh Pulami (18 not out) and Airee (12 not out) took Nepal home safely for a resounding victory.
Related story
Musically magical anime
