USA edge Nepal in close WCL2 thriller in Dubai

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 2: Nepal fell narrowly short of victory against the United States in the 88th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, as the Americans clinched a four-wicket win with an over to spare at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Saturday. Player of the Match Harmeet Singh starred for the USA, producing a match-winning all-round display with figures of 3 for 33 and a brisk unbeaten 13 from just five balls.

Put in to bat first, Nepal posted a competitive total of 271 before being bowled out in the final over. The innings was anchored by a composed 75 from Dipendra Singh Airee, whose counterattacking knock included three sixes and two fours. Karan KC added late fireworks with a rapid 49 from 31 balls, striking three sixes to lift Nepal past the 270-mark. Earlier, opener Kushal Bhurtel (47) and Bhim Sharki (43) made useful contributions, but Nepal’s middle order once again struggled to convert starts into a substantial partnership.

For the United States, left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh was outstanding, claiming three crucial wickets including that of captain Rohit Paudel. He was well supported by Nosthush Kenjige (2 for 45) and captain Saurabh Netravalkar (2 for 61), who combined to slow Nepal’s scoring rate through the middle overs.

In reply, the USA made a steady start despite losing wickets at regular intervals. The chase was anchored by Saiteja Mukkamalla’s patient 75 off 101 balls and Milind Kumar’s fluent 70 from 66 deliveries. Their 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket set up the foundation for a composed finish. Although Nepal’s leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane picked up three wickets to keep hopes alive, the American lower order held firm.

Needing 38 runs from the final four overs, the USA held their nerve as Shubham Ranjane’s quickfire 19 off 12 and Harmeet Singh’s explosive cameo sealed victory with six balls remaining. Lamichhane finished with 3 for 53, while Karan KC and Gulsan Jha took a wicket apiece.

With this result, the USA continued their strong run in the League 2 campaign, while Nepal’s inconsistency in the death overs once again proved costly. Desp ite competitive totals and individual brilliance, the Nepali side will rue missed chances in both batting and fielding that allowed the Americans to edge past in a tense finish.

Nepal will now look to regroup and address their middle-order fragility and death-bowling discipline as they head into their remaining League 2 fixtures.