Kathmandu, December 1

Nepal faced a five-wicket defeat at the hands of the United States of America in the practice match in Abu Dhabi today.

Put into bat first, Nepal were bowled out for a paltry 89 runs in 36.1 overs before the USA raced to 94-5 in 22.3 overs. Coach Jagat Tamatta rested skipper Paras Khadka, Vice-captain Gyanendra Malla as well as bowler Shakti Gauchan and started with Anil Kumar Sah and Kushal Bhurtel.

Nepal had a disastrous start losing openers in the 11th over with just 30 runs on the board. Dilip Nath (16) was trapped leg before the wicket by Japen Patel in the second ball and Sah (naught) was caught by Nosthush Kenjige two balls later.

Nepal were then reduced to 51-6 inside 20 overs as they lost four wickets for just 21 runs. In between Dipendra Singh Airee hit two boundaries in his 24-ball 12 runs.

Kushal Bhurtel (10) and Basant Regmi (21) added 22 runs for the seventh wicket before the former was caught by Ibrahim Khaleel off Adil Bhatti in the 28th over. Bhurtel hit a boundary while facing 44 balls, while Regmi cracked two boundaries in 31 balls. The last three wickets could then add just 16 runs.

Japen Patel was the pick of the USA bowlers claiming 4-8, while Roy Silva (2-19) and Nosthush Kenjge (2-20) shared four wickets between them. Adil Bhatti took a wicket.

In reply, USA, led by former Nepal national team head coach Pubudu Dassanayake, reached the target riding on opener Syed Abdullah’s quick fire 40-ball 44 that included three each fours and sixes. Roy Silva remained unbeaten on 25 off 28 balls cracking three sixes.

After losing Sagar Patel (three) and Nisarg Patel (naught) at the hands of Sompal Kami with only 24 runs on the board, Syed Abdullah helped the team recover and overcome the total. Nepal’s Sompal Kami claimed 2-47 and Sagar Pun took 2-17.

The game was part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC World Cricket League Championship matches against the United Arab Emirates slated for December 6 and 8.

The USA are currently in the WCL Division-III and are touring the UAE and Oman. Nepal will play their second practice match against Kenya on Sunday.