Nepal defeat South Australia in ODI practice match

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 31: Nepal’s national cricket team claimed victory in their ODI practice match against South Australia, winning by two wickets after captain Rohit Paudel struck an unbeaten century.

Chasing a target of 243 runs in Saturday’s final practice match, Nepal reached the total in 44.1 overs with the loss of eight wickets. Skipper Rohit led from the front with an unbeaten 101.

He brought up his century off 102 balls, hitting nine fours along the way. Sompal Kami also contributed a valuable unbeaten 38. For South Australia, Menzies picked up four wickets, while Harry Manenti claimed three.

Earlier, South Australia, having lost the toss and been sent in to bat, were bowled out for 242 in their allotted 45 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored for Nepal with 36, while Kushal Bhurtel added 28.

For the hosts, Harry Manenti was the standout with the bat, scoring 63 runs. Dubit Huganbojam made 53, Ryan King chipped in with 35, and Mackenzie Harvey added 24.

Nepal’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami each taking three wickets. Sandeep Lamichhane, Shahab Alam and Rupesh Singh picked up one apiece.

Prior to this win, Nepal had lost both of their T20 practice matches against South Australia — by three wickets in the first and three runs in the second. However, the side had earlier secured two victories against the local ACT side in warm-up fixtures. Nepal travelled to Australia to participate in the Top End T20 Series, followed by practice matches. They were eliminated in the group stage of the 11-team tournament.

These matches have formed part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in October.