Kathmandu, September 30

Nepal U-19 team registered a 37-run victory against Vijay Dahiya Cricket Club for their second win in their practice match at the St Stephen’s Cricket Ground in East Delhi on Wednesday.

Batting first after captain Raju Rijal won the toss, Nepal were bowled out for 239 runs in 48.4 overs before packing the hosts for 202 in 48.2 overs.

Nepal made a worst start as they were reduced to 69-4 in 16 overs after losing Sandeep Sunar (four), Sunil Dhamala (19), Ashish Dhami (18) and Shankar Rana (naught) cheaply.

Yogendra Karki and skipper Raju Rizal added 106 runs for the fifth wicket to steer the team to respectful total. Karki scored 62 off 80 balls with nine fours and a six, while Rijal struck nine fours in his 82-ball 66. Rajbir Singh remained unbeaten on 22 off 30 balls. Hemank claimed three wickets, while Jalaj took two and Avinash Thapa and Amrit Pal Singh grabbed a wicket apiece.

In reply, the hosts were reduced to 49-4 by the 16th over. Vipin Khareda and Jalaj then added 79 runs for the fifth wicket. Khareda was dismissed for 30 runs, while Jalaj top scored with 84 off 102 balls with six fours and a six. Aarif Sheik and Kushal Bhurtal claimed two wickets each for Nepal, while Dipendra Airee took one wicket. Five Vijay Dahiya batsmen were run out.

The Nepali team is currently in India to prepare for the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Malaysia from October 13-23.