Nepal's second consecutive win in London

KATHMANDU: Nepal national cricket team defeated Indian Gymkhana Cricket Club by 20 runs in their second practice match played at Indian Gymkhana, Osterley of Britain on Thursday.

Put into bat by the Gymkhana, Nepal managed to score 162 runs with the loss of seven wickets. Sagar Pun steadied the innings with a swift 48 balls 56 runs stay at the crease. Vice-Captain Gyanendra Malla added 38 runs off 20 balls and Raju Rijal hit a quick fire 24 off 11 balls to lead Nepal to a comprehensive total at the end of 20 overs.

The Gymkhana in reply could only manage 142 runs with the loss of 10 wickets. Sagar Pun was again excellent with his bowling and picked up two wickets giving away 18 runs in his three-over spell.

Shakti Gauchan, Karan KC and Raju Rijal shared two wickets each to restrict the opponents and hand Nepal back to back victories in their practice matches.

Earlier, Nepal had trounced Free Foresters Cricket Club by a huge 129 runs in their first practice match played at the same venue on Wednesday.

Invited to bat first, Nepal put on a decent 235 runs on the board at the end of 40 overs with the loss of nine wickets. Gyanendra Malla scored 73 runs and was the talismanic figure at the crease. He and Sharad Vesawkar gave the inning a much needed impetus after Opener Anil Mandal was dismissed cheaply. The duo put on a 110- run partnership for the second wicket before Veswawkar was sent back to pavilion for 50. Skipper Parash Khadka hit 40 runs and Sagar Pun played a handy 21 run cameo to lead Nepal to a 235 total at the end of 40 0vers.

Debutant Bikram Sob dismantled the Free Foresters inning by picking up four wickets in his eight over spell giving away a meager 21 runs. Youngster Sandeep Lamichhane was on song sending three Foresters batsman packing. Likewise, Karan KC and Shakti Gauchan shared two wickets each to bundle the opponents for 106 runs.

Nepal will now play against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at the home of Cricket, Lord's, on July 19.

Nepal are on a preparation tour in the run-up to their World Cricket League Championship matches against the Netherlands scheduled for August 13 and 15.