Khadka slams ton in Nepal’s victory

Kathmandu, September 28

Skipper Paras Khadka scored maiden Twenty20 International century to lead Nepal national cricket team to an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Singapore in the Singapore T20 Tri-series today.

Khadka became the first Nepali cricketer to score a century in T20 International on his way to chasing down the target of 152 runs set by the home team at the Indian Association Ground. Khadka struck seven boundaries and nine sixes in his unbeaten 106 off just 52 balls. He reached the three figures with a six off his Singapore counterpart Tim David in the last ball of the 15th over.

Khadka, who has scored three half centuries in T20Is including the record score of 86 against Malaysia, needed just 49 balls to record the century. Khadka’s aggressive knock saw Nepal reach 154-1 with 24 balls to spare in the second match of the series. Nepal had faced a five-wicket loss against Zimbabwe yesterday.

Nepal made a poor start with opener Ishan Pandey (five) losing his wicket at the team total on just nine runs. Skipper Khadka and Aarif Sheikh then took the team home adding record partnership of 145 runs for the unbroken second wicket. Sheikh remained unbeaten on 38-ball 39 that included five boundaries.

Earlier, the home side posted 151-3 in 20 overs. Singapore skipper Tim David top scored for the team with 64 off 44 balls that included three fours and four sixes. Surendran Chandramohan contributed 35 runs, while Janak Prakash scored an unbeaten 25.

Karan KC took 2-32 from four overs, while Sushan Bhari marked his national team debut with a wicket. Bhari grabbed 1-27 from four overs.

After the tournament in Singapore, the Nepali team will travel to Muscat to take part in Oman Pentangular Series, which also features Hong Kong, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Nepal will open the campaign with a match against Hong Kong on October 6 and play against the Netherlands the following day. Nepal will face Ireland on October 9 and end the tournament with a match against hosts Oman on October 10. All the matches will be played at the Al Emarat Cricket Stadium in Muscat.