Kathmandu: Nepal secured their place in the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan with a thrilling low-scoring victory over the United Arab Emirates, powered by a 96-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Gulsan Jha and Bhim Sarki.
During their match-winning partnership, Gulsan Jha played a pivotal role by contributing 67 runs, including three fours and six sixes, while Bhim Sarki added 36 runs, including four fours to help Nepal win the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
Nepal faced a daunting start in a low-scoring thriller, losing three wickets inside eight overs with openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh scoring just one and eight runs respectively, and captain Rohit Paudel out after making just one run off nine balls.
On Monday, Nepal won the toss and elected to bowl first, and they proved their decision right by bundling out the Emiratis for just 117 runs.
Asif Khan’s knock of 46 runs, comprising seven fours and one six, was the only bright spot in UAE’s innings before Lalit Rajbanshi dismissed him caught behind. Nepal’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Rajbanshi taking four wickets, Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC getting two wickets each, while Sompal Kami and Gulsan Jha claimed a wicket each.
Comment