Despite being considered weaker than Nepal, hosts Singapore finished the three-day of the ACC Fast Track Nations Tournament in a draw.
Day 3: Singapore Hold for Draw
The ACC Fast Track Nations’ Tournament three-day match between Nepal and Singapore ended in a draw after rain affected the play here today at the Kallang Ground. However, the hosts succeeded to claim 15.5 points – 2.5 more than the visiting team.
Before rain stopped the play 24 overs earlier, Singapore had made 87 runs without losing a wicket. Nepal had declared the second innings at 203/9 at the lunch setting Singapore a victory target of 237. Glenn Meyer (51) and Ram Prasad (33) put together a splendid batting performance denying Nepal any points on the fourth innings. Each wicket or 25 runs count half-a-point.
Singapore, who lost the inaugural match of the tournament to United Arab Emirates (UAE) by seven wickets, outplayed Nepal in all departments of the game despite being considered weaker than the visiting team.
On Sunday morning, Nepal planned to score around 100 runs in first session and declaring. However, the plan didn’t work as the batsmen failed to perform accordingly. Captain Raju Khadka and young Paras Khadka added 32 runs for the sixth wicket resuming at 145/5.
Paras got out after scoring 16 – initiating a process of losing wickets continuously. Raju followed soon after on his person score of 33. Nepal lost the ninth wicket on 200 and declared after lunch on 203/9.
Singaporean Buddhika Mendis, who scored a century in first innings, was declared man of the match.
Day 2: Nepal Take 178-run Lead
Nepal has taken a lead of 178 runs in the three-day match of ACC Fast Track Nations Tournament against hosts Singapore here today at the Kallang Ground.
At the stump of the second day, Nepal were at 145/5 with captain Raju Khadka on 16 unbeaten. Singapore scored 227/9 in their first innings in reply of Nepal’s first innings total of 260. Saturday’s main attraction was the century by Buddhika Mendis, the Singaporean batsman of Sri Lankan origin.
After restricting Singapore for 227/9 in 91 overs, Nepal started second inning attackingly. But Mehboob Alam, who made 22 in just 13 balls with three fours and a six, was trapped lbw by Ram Prasad in the sixth over. The loss of Mehboob dragged down run rate as Nepali batsmen failed to stay long at the crease.
First innings’ half-centurians Paresh Lohani and Sarad Veswakar both got the start but failed to capitalize. Paresh fell in 18th over to Shoiab Razzak with a personal score of 32 off 52 balls while Sarad made 38 off 52 balls with seven boundaries before edging Razzak to wicketkeeper Zeng Renchun.
Shakti Guachan too couldn’t stay longer as fell to Rizwan Madakia caught by Jackie Manoj after scoring 18 off 47 balls. Balaji, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, ended the day on high note trapping Dipendra Chaudhary in front in the last over of the day. Dipendra, who hit a six on long-on to complete Nepal’s 100, made 22 off 42 balls.
Earlier, Mehboob and Sanjam Regmi troubled Singapore who started the day at 45/1. Mehboob claimed Glenn Meyer who departed without adding to overnight score edging to Manoj Katuwal in the first over of the day. Mehboob got rid of night-watchman Rishi Kaul in the fifth over. Kaul gave catch to Raj Kumar Pradhan without scoring.
Off-spinner Sanjam then took three more to reduce Singapore to 99/6. He took a wicket each in his second, third and fifth over. He bowled captain Renchun (10) before forcing C Janik (0) and Razzak (1) to return.
Mendis however proved Nepali bowling attack ineffective playing a few sound and attacking shots. He completed his half-century in 70 balls and took 101 more balls to complete the century before giving return catch to Shakti Guachan, who ended with two wickets. Mendis was the last man out in the last over of Singaporean innings. He hit 10 fours and two sixes.
Zeehan Zaidi, who was Shakti’s first victim, supported Mendis well with 30 while Balaji got 15 and Jackie Manoj unbeaten 12. According to playing conditions, each team are only allowed to play 90 overs plus the number of overs the opponent team fell short of its own allocation of 90 overs. Till the day, Nepal and Singapore both had 12 points each from the game.
Day 1: Nepal End on High Note
Paresh Lohani and Sarad Veswakar’s half-centuries helped Nepal end the first day of the three-day match against Singapore in the ACC Fast Track Nations Tournament at the Kallang Ground, Singapore. Nepal acquired 5.5 points.
Impressive batting from the top-order took Nepal’s total to 260 in 89 overs. In reply, Singapore were 45/1 after 23 overs as leg-spinner Raj Kumar Pradhan trapped Ram Prasad in front of the wicket in the last over of the day. Prasad tried to guide the full toss ball through midwicket, but failed to judge the line.
Earlier, despite losing explosive opener Mehboob Alam in the third over after Singapore captain Zeng Renchun won the toss and elected to field, Paresh and young Sarad added 93 runs for second wicket to give Nepal a dream start.
Sarad completed his half-century in 104 balls before the lunch, but was out in the second ball after play resumed. He played 124 balls for his 51 and hit six boundaries. Paresh continued his patient batting adding 43 more with Shakti Gauchan. He however lost his wicket on 76 that included 11 fours. Both fell victim to AN Balaji who spearheaded Singaporean attack claiming five wickets.
Shakti and Dipendra Chaudhary then stabilized Nepali innings partnering for 66 runs and ensured Nepal cross the 200-mark. Dipendra fell victim to Mohammad Shoib on 33. His 69-ball innings contained three boundaries.
Shakti too fell to Balaji five runs short to his half-century. He was stumped at 45 off 108 balls. After Shakti’s departure at 231, Nepal suffered a schoolboy collapse losing remaining five wickets in mere 29 runs. Nepali captain Raju Khadka got 21 off 39 deliveries without boundary while three of his teammates were ran out.
Paras Khadka, Binod Das, Manoj Katuwal and Sanjam Regmi couldn’t stay long. The former three ran themselves out while Sanjam was the fifth wicket for Balaji. Beside Balaji, Rishi Kaul and Mohammad Shoib each took a wicket.