Nepal ‘A’ crush Oman to level series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 25: Nepal ‘A’, packed with youth players, stunned Oman with a comprehensive 115-run victory to level the One-Day Friendly Series 1-1 on Friday.

At the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Oman had taken the opening match, but Nepal hit back strongly.

Chasing 285, Oman were dismissed for 169 in 36.3 overs. Mujibur Ali top-scored with 43, while Jiten Ramanandi added 24 and Vinayak Shukla chipped in with 21.

For Nepal ‘A’, Yuvraj Khatri starred with 3-16 from six overs. Hemant Dhami, Akash Chand and Sher Malla claimed two wickets apiece, while Santosh Yadav picked up one.

Earlier, invited to bat first, Nepal ‘A’ posted 284-7 in 50 overs. The innings was built around half-centuries from Ishan Pande (69), Dev Khanal (62) and Kushal Malla (57). Ishan and Dev shared a 90-run stand for the third wicket. Sundeep Jora contributed 42, Santosh Yadav remained unbeaten on 15, and Arjun Kumal added 13.

For Oman, Ramanandi took two wickets, while Shakeel Ahmed, Nadim Khan, Siddharth Bukkapatnam and Wasim Ali claimed one each.

The practice series is part of preparations for the ICC World Cup League Two. The triangular tournament featuring Nepal, UAE and Oman begins on Saturday at TU Stadium, with Nepal facing UAE in the opening fixture.