Nepal Under-19 national cricket team defeated Nepal APF Club by four wickets in a practice match at the TU Cricket Ground on Tuesday. APF were bowled out for 154 in 40 overs and Nepal U-19 achieved the target in 36.1 overs losing six wickets.
Pradeep Airee on his way to 43. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com
It’s the second victory for the U-19 team, preparing for the ACC Elite Cup, against the Armed Police Force team with the national team line-up.
After being invited to bat first, APF made a very good start with openers Sanjay Shrestha and Paresh Lohani (23) adding 74 runs in 13 overs. They faced no difficulties against the pacers and scored runs freely.
Rahul Viswokarma broke the partnership as Sanjay was stumped a run short of half-century and two balls later Dipendra Chaudhary departed without scoring.
The APF middle-order failed as Rahul and captain Prithu Baskota shared nine wickets between them. Rahul took 5/17 in 6 overs and Prithu 4/25 in 10 overs as APF closed down early. Only notable contribution at the later part of the innings came from Sharad Vesawkar (28) and Rom Shrestha (23).
Faizal Khan of U-19. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com
Nepal U-19 started aggressively with Subash Khakurel scoring 15 off 19 and other opener Faizal Khan knocking 29 off 35 balls. With Pradeep Airee (43 not out) and Prithu (38), the team achieved the victory easily.
Paras Khadka spearheaded APF bowling with 3/30 while Sanjam Regmi took a wicket.