Nepal beat Kuwait by 8-wickets, fail to qualify for U-19 World Cup
KATHMANDU: Although Nepal beat other opponents comprehensively, one-run defeat against UAE in D/L method ultimately proved decisive as they failed to qualify for World Cup from ICC Asia U-19s World Cup Qualifier held in Malaysia.
However, Nepal thrashed Kuwait by eight-wickets in a one-sided affair at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Chasing a formidable score of 157, Nepal cantered to victory with eight wickets in hand and 132 balls to spare, after winning the toss today.
Noman Budroo top-scored for Kuwait with 70 off 120 balls with eight fours while setting a formidable total against the inform Nepali team.
Nepal's skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel was the pick of the bowler with 3-0-13-3. Rashid Khan, Surya Tamang, Kushal Malla claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Nepal opening pair made a solid start as they combined for a 93-run partnership before Pawan Sarraf was caught by Hamoud Amanullah in the 20th over.
Man-of-the-match Rit Gautam contributed 62 off 84 balls with seven fours. Aasif Sheikh remained not out on 33 runs. Hamoud Amanullah and Abdul Sadiq took a wicket each.
Despite playing their best cricket, Nepal fell agonisingly two points short to table topper UAE side, with 8 points from five matches in the campaign.
After the last round of qualifying matches, UAE have qualified for the finals to be held in South Africa.