KATHMANDU, APRIL 17
In the final group stage match of the ACC Premier Cup Cricket, Nepal secured a decisive victory over Saudi Arabia by six wickets, solidifying their position in the semi-finals while maintaining an undefeated streak throughout the group stage.
The match, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, was shortened to eight overs per side due to rain interference. Opting to bat first, Saudi Arabia set a target of 74 runs for Nepal. In response, Nepal chased down the target in just 7.2 overs, albeit losing four wickets in the process.
Gulshan Jha played a pivotal role for Nepal, remaining unbeaten with a score of 32 runs off 19 balls, including two sixes and two fours. Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 17 runs, while skipper Rohit Paudel added 16 runs. However, the remaining batters failed to reach double-digit scores.
Saudi Arabia, after electing to bat first upon losing the toss, managed to score 73 runs for the loss of seven wickets within their allocated eight overs. Abdul Waheed was their standout performer, accumulating 37 runs off 16 balls with three boundaries and three fours. However, apart from Waheed, none of the other Saudi batters reached double figures.
In the bowling department, Ishtiaq Ahmed claimed two wickets for Saudi Arabia, while Usman Najeeb and Wazi Ul Hasan took one wicket each. For Nepal, Karan KC and Abinash Bohara both secured two wickets, with Pratis GC and Llait Rajbanshi also contributing with one wicket apiece.
Prior to this match, Nepal had secured victories against Malaysia by five wickets in their first encounter, defeated Qatar by 32 runs in the second match, and triumphed over Hong Kong by eight wickets in the third match, demonstrating their dominance in the group stage.
