Kathmandu: Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 52 runs with Aasif Sheikh hitting his maiden century in the first match of the final tri-series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, held at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday. With the win, Nepal kept their hopes alive to qualify for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
Nepal lost the toss and was sent to bat first, with Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh building a 110-run partnership for the first wicket. Nepal set a target of 298 runs for PNG, with Sheikh contributing 110 runs. PNG was all out for 245 runs in 47.1 overs, with Norman Vanua scoring 60 runs, and Tony Ura and Assad Vala making 50 and 42 runs, respectively. Sandeep Lamichhane of Nepal claimed four wickets, while Dipendra Singh Airee took two wickets.
Semo Kamea of PNG took five Nepali wickets and was the most economical bowler, while Riley Hekure claimed three Nepali wickets, and Alei Nao bagged one wicket.
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