U-19 Asia Cup Cricket: Nepal loses to Sri Lanka

Kathmandu, Nov 29: Nepal lost to Sri Lanka by 55 runs in their opening match of the ACC Men's U-19 Asia Cup 2024 held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.     

Chasing a target of 234 set by Sri Lanka, Nepal was bowled out for 178 in 46.2 overs. Mayan Yadav, Nepal's opening batter, was the top scorer with 62 runs, including three boundaries and two sixes from 91 balls. Akash Tripathi contributed 19 runs, followed by Uttam Thapa with 17, Naren Saud with 16, and both Arjun Kumal and Naren Bhatta scoring 12 runs each.     

For Sri Lanka, Praveen Maneesha took three wickets, while Newton Ranjithkumar, Kugadas Mathulan, and Vihas Thewmika claimed two wickets each. Viran Chamuditha also took one wicket.     

Prior to this, losing the toss, Sri Lanka was invited to bat first and posted 233 runs in 50 overs.     

Sharujan Shanmuganathan was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 62 runs off 99 balls. Lakvin Abeysinghe scored 53 off 50 balls, and Kavija Gamage made 37 off 43 balls. Dulnith Sigera and Vimath Dinsara contributed 24 runs each.     

For Nepal, Santosh Yadav was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Yubaraj Khatri took two. Captain Hemant Dhami and Naren Saud each claimed one wicket.     

Nepal will be meeting Bangladesh on Saturday for its next match. (RSS)