Nepal began its World T20 Qualifiers campaign in style, thrashing Denmark by 5 wickets in the first match at the ICC Academy Oval 2, in Dubai on Friday.
After restricting Denmark to a paltry total of 79, Nepal overhauled the target of 80 with more than 6 overs to spare, thanks to swashbuckling innings by Paras Khadka. Khadka made 48 runs including 5 sixes and a four.
Paras Khadka on his way to 48, against Denmark in Nepal’s first match of World T20 Qualifier. 15 Nov. 2013. Photo: Raman Shivakoti
However, Nepali chase was not without hiccups, as it lost 2 wickets without any score on the board. Opener Pradeep Airee and vice-captain Gyanendra Malla were back in the pavilion before the second over concluded. Then, captain Khadka and Subash Khakurel (17) steadied the ship for Nepal, with a 67-run partnership.
As soon as Khadka was out with team total on 67, another drama began. Nepal lost two more wickets within a space of few balls and was 68 for 5. But Denmark could not manage any miracle as it was defending a small target. Sharad Vesawkar (5*) and Sagar Pun (2*) made sure there were no further jolts for Nepal.
Earlier Nepali bowlers bowled a very good line to keep Denmark batsmen in check. Sagar Pun, with 3 wickets for 12 runs, was the pick of the bowlers, as Jitendra Mukhiya and Basanta Regmi took two wickets each. Regmi was particularly impressive, giving away only 8 runs in his spell of 2.4 overs.
For Denmark, Hamid Shah was the highest scorer with 18 runs, as Yasir Iqbal and Michael Pederson scored 17 and 16. Seven batsmen from Denmark failed to reach double digit scores.
Nepal plays Kenya next, on Saturday. In earlier clash between the two – during last edition of the tournament two years ago – Nepal had defeated Kenya.