Nepal clinch first victory in Top End T20 Series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 19: Nepal finally got off the mark in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, securing their maiden victory on Tuesday after three consecutive defeats.

The Nepali side thrashed Hobart Hurricanes Academy by 66 runs, bouncing back from earlier losses against NT Strike, Bangladesh A, and Melbourne Stars.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal posted a competitive total of 180 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. 

In reply, Hobart were bundled out for just 114 in 16.1 overs. Nandan Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a five-wicket haul while conceding only 17 runs from his three overs.

Captain Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Rijan Dhakal, and Sandeep Lamichhane chipped in with a wicket each.

Hobart’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets inside the first five overs. Opener Nivethan Radhakrishnan and skipper Will Prestwidge departed for ducks, while Macalister Wright managed just 3 runs.

The middle order tried to steady the ship, but the lower order collapsed cheaply. Bradley Hope top-scored with 31 off 36 balls. Charlie Wakim contributed 28 off 21 deliveries, including two fours and a six. Zac Curtain remained unbeaten on 21 from 12 balls.

Earlier, Aarif Sheikh top-scored with 33 for Nepal, while Aasif Sheikh also chipped in with 29. Kushal Bhurtel added 27, and Lokesh Bam provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 25 off just 11 balls. Extras proved costly for Hobart, contributing 31 runs to Nepal’s tally.

Openers Kushal and Aasif gave Nepal a solid start with a 49-run stand. Aasif then stitched a 28-run partnership with Bhim Sharki for the second wicket. Sharki made a run-a-ball 18 before adding 22 runs with skipper Rohit Paudel. Aarif and Lokesh Bam later added 38 crucial runs for the seventh wicket.

In Hobart’s bowling attack, Radhakrishnan and Raf MacMillan bagged two wickets apiece. Marcus Bean, Gabe Bell, and Hope picked up one wicket each. Nepal will take on Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan Shaheens on Friday.