KATHMANDU, JUNE 19
Riding on a solid half-century from opener Kushal Bhurtel, Nepal secured its second win in the ongoing Tri-Nation T20I Series in Scotland.
Chasing a target of 175 runs set by the Netherlands, Nepal reached the total in 19.4 overs at the loss of four wickets. Lokesh Bam sealed the victory with a six over long-on, taking Nepal home with one run needed from the final three balls.
Bhurtel anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 51 deliveries, hitting six boundaries. Arif Sheikh contributed a valuable 39 runs before being forced to retire hurt when Nepal's score was at 168. On his T20I debut, Bhim Sharki added a crucial 27 runs to the chase.
For the Netherlands, Ben Fletcher, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, and Zac Leewen Cachèt picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat first, the Netherlands posted 174 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, setting Nepal a target of 175 runs.
Opening batter Michael Levitt, starred with a blistering 86 off 53 balls, striking six fours and five sixes. Veteran all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe remained unbeaten on 36 from just 21 balls, adding impetus to the innings in the latter stages.
At one point struggling at 45 for 4, the Netherlands recovered thanks to a 63-run stand between Levitt and Saqib Zulfiqar. Following the dismissal of Levitt at 129 for 7, van der Merwe teamed up with Aryan Dutt to add 45 runs, lifting the Dutch total to a competitive 174.
For Nepal, Karan KC was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Rupesh Singh each chipped in with a wicket.
Nepal will now face hosts Scotland in the final match of the series on Friday.
Earlier in the tournament, Nepal had suffered a narrow loss to the Netherlands after three Super Overs but had bounced back with a win against Scotland.
In the post-match press conference, Michael Levitt-who was named Player of the Match for his blistering innings-said, "I would have been happier with a team victory."
Similarly, Dutch skipper Scott Edwards remarked, "It's been a great series in the lead-up to the qualifiers."
Meanwhile, winning captain Rohit Paudel stated, "As a batting unit, we pulled it together. Bhurtel provided a solid start, which was well consolidated by debutant Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh. We're looking forward to tomorrow's game."
