Nepal came up with a brilliant performance all round to beat United States of America by 32 runs in the World Cricket League Division 4 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Subash Khakurel scored a brilliant century to help Nepal post 258 for 8 in 50 overs before the spinners survived Sushil Nadkarni threat sharing 9 wickets between them to bowl out USA for 226 in 48.2 overs.
With the win, Nepal is nearly in Division 3. Only some extraordinary results on Sunday would deny the team a place in the final including Denmark’s huge victory over Nepal and Singapore’s equally big win over USA.
If Nepal beats Denmark and USA beats Singapore on Sunday, Nepal and the team with best net run rate among USA, Denmark and Singapore will qualify for the Final and Division 3.
Subash Khakurel hits a ball on way to his century. Photo iCC/Peter Lim
At Kinrara Academy, opener-wicketkeeper Subash scored only fourth century for Nepal. His 115 is personal best for any Nepali senior players surpassing Shakti Gauchan’s 106 not out scored against Italy. Other two Nepali batsmen to achieve that feat are Raju Khadka, who scored 105 not out against Bhutan in 2001, and Sarad Vesawkar, who scored 105 not out against Fiji in 2005.
He survived a clear run-out chance when on 22, but then onwards it was his day. His 142-ball knock included 10 fours and a six. He was out in slog overs with 248 already onboard.
He began slow with Anil Mandal as the pair added only 25 runs in first 10 overs. Anil Mandal left the field retired hurt after the conclusion of 11 overs and Gyanendra Malla joined in.
With Gyanendra going hard and fast after bowling, Subash also needed to be aggressive. Gyanendra was out caught on boundary after making 46 off 59 balls with 5 fours with score at 111. The pair put up 81-run partnership.
Subash became only fourth batsmen in history of Nepal’s cricket to hit a century at senior level. Photo ICC/Peter Lim
Captain Paras Khadka joined in and scored a quickfire 40 off 34 balls with a couple of fours and sixes before he was run-out. Anil returned but didn’t stay long and was out for 20. Pradeep Airee came and hit 14 off 8 before being bowled. Subash continued through all those debacle and scored his century.
The tailenders could not score individually but Nepal scored 74 in last 10 overs to end the innings with a convincing score.
USA started with two fours in first two balls off Amrit Bhattarai but lost two early wickets – one each to Sanjam Regmi, brought in 3rd over and other to Basant Regmi. They were 35/2 at the end of 10 overs.
Then onward it was Sushil Nadkarni’s patient play supported by T Allen (29) and captain Steve Massiah (41). With Allen, Nadkarni partnered 61 runs and with Massiah 89 runs frustrating Nepali bowlers and swinging the match in USA’s favor.
But Basant bowled out Massiah after he scored 41 off 42 and the innings began the crumbling.
Sushil Nadkarni scored 84 – his third half-century in four matches against Nepal, in two of which he was the man of the match, but was undone by a superb catch by Binod Das before he could win it again for USA.
Binod moves three steps to his left, dived in air, hold one-handed catch of cut shot and landed safely to remove Nadkarni off Sanjam Regmi.
It then remained to spinners to finish the formality as Basant grabbed 5 for 35 in his 10 overs and went far away atop the highest wicket takers of the tournament with 14 wickets in 4 matches. Shakti Gauchan and Sanjam each got two. Amrit also grabbed one.
Subash with man of the match for his century and a stumping. Photo ICC/Peter Lim
Man of the Match Subash said: “I’m glad that my 115 runs were able to help the team beat the USA in this match.
“I’m feeling great after scoring this century because I was a bit worried due to the swing from the pace bowlers at the beginning, but I managed to build my confidence by picking lots of singles and build from there.”
Paras added: “Playing top teams like the USA will always be a close encounter and credit should go to all the players for the hard fought win. It was a great team performance from Nepal and we deserve the win today.”
Nepal will play Denmark on Sunday, Sept 9.
Brief score: Nepal 258 for 8 in 50 overs ( Subash khakurel 115, Gyanendra Malla 46, Paras Khadka 41, Anil Mandal 20) beat USA 226 in 48.2 overs (Sushil Nadkarni 84, Steve Massiah 41, Basant Regmi 5/35, Shakti Gauchan 2/35, Sanjam Regmi 2/50) by 32 runs.