Nepal’s dream of lifting the title of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup cricket tournament for the fifth time was shattered on Thursday after they were handed a 65-run defeat by arch rivals Afghanistan.
Nepal, who had defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in the group stage, were restricted to 139 runs while chasing a target of 201 set by Afghanistan at the Thailand cricket ground. This was Nepal’s second defeat in the final in eight editions of the tournament.
Despite making a nervous start, a partnership of 83 runs off 118 balls between Pradeep Airee and Rajesh Pulami had given Nepal some hope after having lost four wickets for 31 runs. It was, however, short-lived as Pulami was soon run out by a direct hit. Pulami, who scored 22 off 72, was run out on his own call.
Nepal lost their last six wickets for 25 runs, with Rahul Kumar Bishwakarma and Krishna Karki failing to even open their account. Airee did not have much option and chose power play in the 37th over, which cost Bhuwan Karki’s wicket. Airee, too, lost his composure following that.
Airee, who scored 59 runs, was caught at long on. He was earlier dropped on 57. “I had thought I could return after hitting the winning run but I lost patience after the cheap loss of wickets,” Airee said. Airee’s knock included three boundaries and a six off 93 deliveries.
Afghanistan did not need much time to claim Avinash Karna’s wicket and lift the title for the first time in the age group to continue their dominance in the ACC.
Despite the loss, Nepal’s coach Jagat Tamata claimed his side was the best team of the tournament. “The way we played in the tournament proved that we are the best team. Our four batsmen could not play up to their potential, which cost us dearly,” Tamata said. The defeat also shattered Tamata’s dream of being the first Nepali coach to win an international title.
Tamata also said that the absence of regular captain Prithu Baskota changed Nepal’s fate. “We could have easily won the match had Baskota been there,” Tamata addded.
Nepal lost their batsman Faizlur Rahman Khan, who was the man-of-the-match in the first two matches, for a duck. He was bowled by Shir Sirjee.
Aftab Alam, know as one of the fastest bowlers of the tournament, broke Subash Khakurel’s leg stump into two pieces. Khakurel could score only six runs. Naresh Budhayer, who had collected 120 runs in the previous three matches remaining unbeaten, was too bowled by Alam. Sagar Pun was dismissed for eight runs.
Earlier, Afghanistan had garnered 200\9 in the allotted 50 overs. Afghanistan had made only 90 in 30 overs but the tail-enders rescued their innings.
Earlier, Nepal did not have a good day in the field as well. Airee dropped Afsar Khan in mid-off when he was on 11. Khan went on to score 26 off 60. Mohibullah Pak (36) and Noor Haque (34) later rescued the Afghanistan innings.
Airee, who claimed five wickets in his nine-over spell conceding 43 runs, was declared the man of the final. Krishna Karki claimed two wickets while Bhuwan Karki and Rahul Bishwakarma