KATHMANDU, APRIL 29
Nepal and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have paved way into the finals of the ongoing ACC Men's Premier Cup being held in Kathmandu.
The ongoing game between Nepal and Kuwait, contested at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Stadium today, was impacted by rain and produced no result after which Nepal ended up as group winners. And, are now set to lock horns with UAE in the finals.
Meanwhile, in the 2nd semi-final of the tournament, the UAE defeated Oman by two runs at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on the basis of the DLS method to qualify for the finals.
In today's rain-affected game between Nepal and Kuwait, overs in the match was reduced. Batting first, Nepal had set a target of 282 runs in 42 overs at the loss of nine wickets.
Chasing the target, Kuwait managed to make 37 runs in 8.3 overs at the loss of six wickets before rain disturbed play yet again. Since, Kuwait could not bat 20 overs, a decision on the based on DLS method could not be announced. Hence, the match ended as a draw.
Nepali skipper Rohit Paudel made the most for his contribution of 94 runs off 95 deliveries. Similarly, Kushal Malla struck a half-century after smashing 57 runs that came of 44 balls.
Karan KC of Nepal scalped five wickets in his 4.3 overs while maintaining a low economy of 2.2 runs per over.
Following today's outcome, Nepal ended up as group A winner of the ACC Premier Cup qualifying to play in the finals.
The finalists--Nepal and UAE-- are set to vie for the Premiere Cup on Monday at the TU cricket ground. Similarly, Kuwait and Oman are scheduled to play for third place on Sunday.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2023 Asia Cup.
