Rain played spoilsport as the inaugural match between Nepal and USA in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 4 in Italy was called off after 14 overs on Saturday.
Paras Khadka pulls against USA in the World Cricket League Division 4 match. Photo by International Cricket Council.
Nepal was 51/2 with in-form Anil Mandal on 30 and captain Paras Khadka on 10 when the match was halted by rainfall and finally called off for the day without a result. The teams will play a fresh rematch on Monday.
Two other matches of the day were also called off due to rainfall.
At Ovale di Rastignano of Pianora, USA won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mahesh Chhetri and Shakti Gauchan fell early.
Mahesh failed to cut a rising delivery from Kevin Darlington in the third over and was out for four caught at third slip by captain Steve Massiah. Shakti was also undone by sharply bouncing delivery by Usman Shuja for naught.
The ball kissed the gloves of Shakti, who was trying to defend off backfoot, and wicket-keeper Orlando Baker grabbed an easy catch to make it 11/2 in four overs.
Much needed resistance came from Anil, who had scored two half-centuries in warm-up matches, and Paras. The duo played patiently rotating strikes and taking no chances until they were settled well. After nine overs, Nepal was 23/2 but from then onwards with rain threatening to spoilsport, they accelerated and scored 28 runs in next five overs to take Nepal in a good looking position.
Nepal will now meet Italy on Sunday.