Skipper Gyanendra Malla scored a half century as Nepal registered a 83-run victory over Rajwada Cricket Team in their second practice match at the Gautam Buddha University Ground in Greater Noida, New Delhi today.
Put into bat first, Nepal scored a fighting total of 247-7 in allotted 50 overs and packed Rajwada for 164 runs in 37.3 overs.
National team vice-captain Malla, who had scored 104 runs against the same team in their 47-run defeat in the first match on Monday, fell five runs short of century. He hit eight boundaries and a six.
Nepal made a brilliant start with the bat as Malla added 93 runs with fellow opener Sunil Dhamala, who was the second highest run getter with 44 runs of 72 balls that included five boundaries. Dhamala opened the innngs after Aasif Sheikh failed to impress with the bat in the first match.
Malla also shared a 56-run partnership for the third wicket with Mehboob Alam, who cracked two each fours and sixes in his 22-ball 30. Aarif Sheikh remained unbeaten on 24 off 27 balls hitting a four.
Madhur Khatri and Sushil Khatri claimed two wickets each for Rajwada, while Ashok Singh and Naresh Nama pocketed apiece.
In reply, Rajwada made mediocre start but failed to play openly against Nepali bowling attack and lost wickets at regular interval.
Madhur Khatri top scored for the local team with 42 off 63 balls with the help of five boundaries, while Ashok Singh struck 25-ball 33 hitting five fours and a six. Similarly, Mohammad Saffi added 23 off 27 balls that included three fours.
Sompal Kami, Sagar Pun and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets each from Nepal, while Avinash Karn and Karan KC pocketed a wicket apiece.
Nepal are in India to prepare for the ICC World Cricket League Championship matches against Kenya on March 11 and 13 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium, Kirtipur.