Nepal Cricket Archives - Today Match Prediction

Nepalese Cricket Ex-Captain Sandeep Lamichhane Receives Eight-Year Prison Term for Rape

Samia Akter — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:58:46 +0000

In a striking turn of events, former cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane, once celebrated as Nepal’s cricket poster boy, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. The 23-year-old leg spinner’s on-field prowess has elevated the sport’s stature in the Himalayan republic.

The legal saga began in 2022 when Lamichhane was accused of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel. Despite being granted bail, he continued to represent the national team in international tournaments. However, the delayed trial concluded in December with his conviction, and the sentence was pronounced on Wednesday, as revealed by Kathmandu district court official Ramu Sharma.

Apart from the eight-year prison term, Lamichhane was ordered to pay a court fine of 300,000 Nepalese rupees (,255) and an additional 200,000 rupees (,500) to the victim, acknowledging the mental impact of the assault.

Lamichhane, currently not in custody, was absent from the courtroom during the sentencing. His lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, affirmed that they

“will appeal the decision in a higher court.”

The victim initially claimed she was a minor when assaulted, but the court ruled she was 18 in a previous decision. Lamichhane consistently denied the charges and maintained strong public support.

His legal troubles led to the loss of his captaincy and a brief arrest after he initially failed to return from the Caribbean Premier League in Jamaica, where he was playing when an arrest warrant was issued.

Despite the controversy, Lamichhane’s ban was lifted upon securing bail, allowing him to participate in national team activities, including World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup. His return to cricket sparked both support and opposition, with Scotland’s cricketers notably refusing to shake hands with him during an international tournament in Dubai.

While cricket has been gaining popularity in Nepal, the sport does not receive the same adulation as in other South Asian countries. Lamichhane played a pivotal role in Nepal’s cricket rise, becoming a sought-after player in lucrative leagues worldwide, starting with the Indian Premier League in 2018.

Amidst these developments, Nepal grapples with a significant number of unreported sexual assault cases, with about 2,300 reported cases in the 2021-22 fiscal year. The MeToo movement has seen limited participation in Nepal, with little to no consequences for those accused.

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“Rohit Sharma’s Icy Glare at Hardik Pandya and Teammates in Asia Cup 2023 Nepal Match “

Samia Akter — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:45:59 +0000

Mixed Fortunes for India in Asia Cup 2023

An Analysis of India’s Victory Over Nepal and Fielding Challenges

Fielding Woes Haunt Team India

Despite securing a spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 with a commanding win over Nepal, the Indian cricket team faced its fair share of challenges. Captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to field first after winning the toss seemed promising, but fielding lapses proved costly. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh capitalized on the initial opportunities, with Indian fielders dropping three catches within the first five overs. Notable among these errors were Shreyas Iyer’s slip catch, Virat Kohli’s straightforward drop at short cover, and a lapse by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.

Rohit Sharma's Cold Stare

As the rain-interrupted match progressed, a pivotal moment came when Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Shardul Thakur were walking off the field. It was during this juncture that Rohit Sharma’s cold, unmissable stare at his teammates spoke volumes about his frustration with the fielding performance.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's Heroics

On a brighter note, skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill delivered a stellar performance, remaining unbeaten as they guided India to a resounding ten-wicket victory over Nepal. India was set a revised DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method) target of 145 runs in 23 overs after the rain delay. Rohit contributed a noteworthy 74 runs, while Gill added an impressive 67 to the total.

Nepal's Spirited Fightback

Nepal, a team still finding its footing in international cricket with ODI status granted in 2018, showcased commendable resilience. Aasif Sheikh’s fifty anchored Nepal’s innings as they posted a respectable total of 230. Despite a strong start by Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel (38), Nepal faltered in the middle overs. However, their middle and lower-order batsmen mounted a spirited comeback. Number eight, Sompal Kami, played a crucial role, contributing 48 runs before Nepal’s innings concluded in 48.2 overs. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj both claimed three wickets each for India.

Rain-Disrupted Tournament and Venue Discussions

The Asia Cup 2023, serving as a preparation ground for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, has been marred by persistent rain disruptions. These interruptions have led organizers to consider relocating upcoming matches to Colombo. India’s opening match against Pakistan was abandoned after just one innings, and their second match saw them at 17-0 in 2.1 overs before heavy rain forced the players off the field

Rohit and Gill's Dominance

Ground staff worked diligently to prepare the field for resumption, and Rohit and Gill, with their commanding partnership, made quick work of the revised target. Their remarkable performance was marked by a barrage of boundaries, with Rohit smashing five sixes during his 59-ball innings.

Despite the fielding woes and weather disruptions, India’s convincing victory against Nepal marks a positive step in their Asia Cup campaign.

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“India’s Fielding Woes Evident as Virat Kohli Drops a Crucial Catch in Asia Cup 2023 Clash Against Nepal”

Samia Akter — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:38:25 +0000

Virat Kohli Drops Crucial Catch as India's Fielding Falters

During the Asia Cup 2023 match against Nepal, Virat Kohli’s costly fielding blunder was just one example of India’s disappointing performance in the field.

Kohli's Missed Opportunity

In the second over of the match, Aasif Sheikh played a loose shot off Mohammed Siraj, resulting in the ball heading straight towards Virat Kohli at cover point. It appeared to be a straightforward catch, but Kohli’s attempt ended in disaster as he failed to hold on, and the ball bounced out of his hands. This lapse in the field was a significant setback for India early in the game.

Other Missed Chances

The fielding woes continued for India as the match progressed. On the last ball of the first over, Shreyas Iyer also failed to capitalize on a relatively manageable catch at the slips. These missed opportunities allowed Nepal to make a strong start, while India struggled to hold on to crucial catches. A couple of overs later, another chance slipped through India’s grasp when Ishan Kishan misjudged an attempted catch behind the stumps.

Toss and Lineups

Prior to the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first, explaining that the team wanted their bowlers to get a game under their belt. He also mentioned that Jasprit Bumrah was unavailable, and Mohammed Shami would replace him in the lineup.

Playing XI

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (w), Rohit Paudel (c), Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi

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Pakistan Dominates Asia Cup Opener, Defeating Nepal by 238 Runs

Mainul Islam — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:31:26 +0000

The encounter took place at Multan Cricket Stadium on a Wednesday evening.

Nepal's Challenging Chase and Subdued Performance

Nepal faced the daunting task of chasing a colossal target of 343 runs for an improbable victory. However, their pursuit crumbled as they were dismissed for a mere 104 runs. Only three batsmen managed to reach double-digit scores, highlighting Pakistan’s overwhelming dominance.

Pakistan Sets the Stage with a Formidable Total

In the opening clash of Asia Cup 2023 at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan set a formidable total of 342/6. Opting to bat first after winning the toss on a placid pitch, the Pakistani team faced early setbacks, losing both openers during the initial powerplay. Amidst the pressure, skipper Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan formed a resilient partnership of 86 runs.

Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed's Century Stand

Despite the loss of two quick wickets, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed stepped up to the challenge. Their remarkable partnership of 224 runs saw both batsmen achieving the milestone of scoring centuries. Babar Azam’s century marked his 19th in 102 innings. He departed in the final over of the innings. Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten with a maiden century of 109 runs from 66 deliveries. Shadab Khan, on the other hand, was dismissed on the last ball of the innings after contributing a solitary boundary.

Debutant Nepal's Steep Target

Making their debut in the continental tournament, Nepal faced the daunting task of chasing down 343 runs to create an upset in the Asia Cup opener.

A Contest of Firsts and Electrifying Atmosphere

The match marked several firsts, as both Nepal and the venue, Multan, debuted in the tournament. This contest also marked the first-ever encounter between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level. The picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium set the stage for an electrifying clash, promising an atmosphere filled with excitement. Both teams enjoyed tremendous support from passionate cricket fans in Multan. The match was preceded by an engaging opening ceremony and commenced at 1430 PKT time.

Pakistan's Momentum and Optimism

Pakistan entered the Asia Cup with a surge of momentum. Following a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, the team claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI team rankings. With a remarkable win/loss ratio of 2.750, backed by 22 wins in 31 matches in this World Cup cycle, Pakistan’s performance across formats remained strong.

Promising Schedule Ahead

After this convincing victory, Pakistan is scheduled to face India in the second Group-A match on 2 September at Kandy, Sri Lanka. The venue will also witness the final group match between India and Nepal on 4 September.

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Babar and Iftikhar Shine as Pakistan Posts 342-6 Against Nepal

Mainul Islam — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:34:52 +0000

Captain's Brilliance and a Maiden Hundred

Captain Babar Azam emerged as the standout performer, showcasing his impeccable skill with a magnificent knock of 151 runs off 131 balls. Adding to the spectacle, Iftikhar Ahmed displayed remarkable resilience and skill to record his maiden ODI century, remaining unbeaten with 109 runs in just 71 balls.

Nepal's Challenge and Resurgence

Nepal, participating in the Asia Cup for the first time, initially contained the Pakistani batting order effectively, limiting them to 124-4 by the 28th over. However, the tide shifted as Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed unleashed an onslaught, baffling Nepal’s bowlers in the final overs.

Dynamic Partnership and Resurgence

The duo of Azam and Ahmed orchestrated a formidable partnership, amassing an impressive 214 runs off 131 balls for the fifth wicket. This partnership acted as a catalyst, rejuvenating Pakistan’s innings after Babar Azam’s decision to bat following the coin toss.

Explosive Batting Display

Babar Azam’s innings comprised 14 boundaries and four sixes, while Ahmed’s explosive knock featured 11 boundaries and four sixes. This remarkable display guided Pakistan to a stunning surge of 129 runs in the last 10 overs, with an impressive 67 runs amassed in the final five overs.

Nepal's Struggles and Pakistan's Resilience

Nepal faced difficulties in containing Azam and Ahmed, grappling to counter their aggressive onslaught. Notably, Azam received a reprieve on 55 when Karan Chhetri dropped a caught-and-bowled opportunity, while Nepal’s ground fielding encountered inconsistencies.

Pakistan's Triumph Amidst Challenges

Amidst early challenges, Pakistan saw opener Fakhar Zaman depart for 14 runs in the sixth over. Imam-ul-Haq followed with a run-out dismissal at just five runs, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 25-2. Babar Azam’s partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (44) revived the innings, though Rizwan’s run-out ultimately curtailed his contribution.

Iftikhar Ahmed's Highlight

The spotlight then turned to Iftikhar Ahmed, who exhibited his best ODI performance, surpassing his previous score of 94 not out against New Zealand earlier in the year.

Nepal's Best Performer

Sompal Kami, the fast bowler from Nepal, emerged as the standout performer for his team, claiming 2-85 in the face of Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup.

Asia Cup's Hybrid Model

The current edition of the Asia Cup adopts a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting four matches and Sri Lanka hosting nine. This arrangement comes in the backdrop of India’s decision not to tour Pakistan due to political tensions.

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Pakistan vs Nepal, Asia Cup 1st Match: Match information, Match Preview, Win Possibility, Pitch Report, Toss Prediction

Mainul Islam — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:57:54 +0000

Match Information

Match: 1st Match, PAK vs NEP
Date: 30th Aug 2023
Time: 03:00 PM IST
Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

Match Preview

Pakistan’s Momentum From Dominant Series After sweeping Afghanistan in a remarkable series, Pakistan (PAK) gears up to face Nepal (NEP) in the inaugural match of Asia Cup 2023. The contest is set to unfold on August 30 at Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s focus is unwavering as they strive to carry forward the winning energy from their recent success. On the flip side, Nepal has also exhibited commendable form, securing victories in two of their last five matches.

2. Pakistan’s Strong Start Against Afghanistan In their preceding encounter against Afghanistan, Pakistan won the toss and opted to set the tone by batting first. The decision paid off as their opening partnership displayed promise. However, the spotlight was on the third wicket partnership, where both Babar and Rizwan crafted resilient half-centuries. Their impactful performance drove Pakistan’s score to a competitive 268 runs. While Afghanistan attempted their response, their initial efforts fell short, resulting in consistent wicket losses. Despite Mujeeb’s record-breaking rapid fifty, Afghanistan found themselves unable to bridge the gap, falling short by 59 runs.

3. Nepal’s Duel with Ireland Turning attention to Nepal’s recent clash against Ireland, the scene was set after Ireland won the toss and elected to field. Nepal initiated their innings at a measured pace, gradually accelerating after the loss of their first wicket. Constructing pivotal partnerships and a sensational late surge, highlighted by Gulsan Jha’s fifty, propelled Nepal’s total to 268 runs. Ireland, facing early setbacks, managed a mid-game resurgence. The ebb and flow of wickets maintained the contest’s intensity, culminating in a thrilling climax as Ireland clinched victory by a slim two-wicket margin in the final over.
As the Asia Cup 2023 kicks off, the encounter between Pakistan and Nepal promises riveting cricket action, setting the stage for a captivating tournament ahead.

PAK vs. NEP Win Possibility

The Trinbago Knight Riders showcase a roster that seamlessly blends experienced and youthful players who excel in the T20 format. Bolstered by a powerful batting lineup comprising well-known T20 hitters, the Trinbago Knight Riders have notably enhanced their potential to secure victory in the current match. A breakdown of the prediction for today’s cricket match, outlining the probability of each team winning, is presented below:

The Trinbago Knight Riders find themselves in a favorable position, with a 60% likelihood of clinching victory in this match.
Conversely, the Barbados Royals possess a 40% chance of emerging as the victors in this competition.

Pitch Report

The forthcoming 13th match of the Caribbean Premier League 2023 is poised to take place at Barbados’ Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. Previous contests held at this venue have revealed a pitch favorable for batting. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that the track’s pace is relatively slower than those observed elsewhere, creating favorable conditions for spin bowlers. Predictions indicate that the surface could experience further deterioration, thereby potentially intensifying difficulties for batsmen in this upcoming match. Given this evolving scenario, the task of pursuing a score of 185 is anticipated to pose a formidable challenge for the team batting second.

Toss Prediction

The outcome of every match in the Caribbean Premier T20 League is anticipated to hinge significantly on the toss, much like we’ve seen in past seasons. As per toss predictions, the team winning the coin toss is likely to opt for fielding first. This choice is influenced by the anticipation of inclement weather, which might introduce challenging conditions for batting.

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Asia Cup 2023, 1st Match: Match Preview, PAK vs. NEP Playing XI, PAK vs. NEP Dream11 Prediction

Mainul Islam — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:07:33 +0000

Match Preview

Pakistan arrives with the momentum of a splendid series where they successfully swept Afghanistan, aiming to sustain their winning streak. Meanwhile, Nepal has demonstrated commendable form, securing victory in two out of their last five matches.

Pakistan’s recent contest involved Afghanistan, with Pakistan winning the toss and choosing to bat. Opting for batting proved advantageous as they established a solid opening partnership. However, it was the third-wicket alliance between Babar and Rizwan that stood out, as both batsmen notched up fifties. Their contributions propelled Pakistan to a total of 268 runs. In response, Afghanistan faced early struggles and suffered continuous wicket losses. Despite Mujeeb’s rapid fifty, the target remained challenging, leading to a 59-run victory for Pakistan.

Nepal’s most recent engagement was against Ireland, with Ireland winning the toss and electing to field. Nepal’s start was steady but picked up pace after the initial wicket fell. A series of effective partnerships and an impressive late surge, featuring a fifty by Gulsan Jha, propelled Nepal to a total of 268 runs. Ireland encountered early setbacks but managed to regroup in the middle overs. Frequent wicket losses maintained the match’s competitiveness, and Ireland ultimately clinched a narrow victory by two wickets in the final over.

PAK vs. NEP Probably Playing XI

Pakistan: Babar Azam (Captain), IU Haq, SH Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper), FK Zaman, S Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir

Nepal: Rohit Kumar Paudel (C), K Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Arjun Saud (Wicket-Keeper), Aarif Sheikh, B Sharki, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Sandeep Lamichhane, K Mahato

PAK vs. NEP Dream11 Prediction

Captain: Sandeep Lamichhane
Vice-Captain: Babar Azam
Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq and Kushal Bhurtel, Gulsan Jha, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Shaheen Afridi

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The Asia Cup Cricket Line-up from Pakistan to Nepal

Mainul Islam — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:18:31 +0000

Cricketing Showdown in the Subcontinent

Six cricketing nations are set to vie for supremacy in the Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament promises thrilling clashes and a final opportunity for the giants of Asian cricket to assess each other before the impending World Cup in India.

Road to Glory: Group Stage and Super Four

The tournament structure comprises a group stage, followed by the Super Four, culminating in the grand finale in Colombo on September 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, where the leading two in the standings will compete for the championship.

Group A: Clash of Titans

Pakistan

The top-ranked team, Pakistan, shares co-hosting duties with Sri Lanka due to a hybrid model implemented after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. With an impressive rise to world No. 1 status, Pakistan is riding high after a dominant 3-0 victory against Afghanistan.

ODI ranking: 1
Captain: Babar Azam
Key players: Babar (batsman), Shaheen Shah Afridi (left-arm fast bowler), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batsman)
Asia Cup best: Winners 2000, 2012 (both 50-over)

India

The cricketing powerhouse and record-holders of Asia Cup titles, India enters the tournament as the favorites, aiming for an eighth championship.

ODI ranking: 3
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Key players: Virat Kohli (batsman), Hardik Pandya (all-rounder), Jasprit Bumrah (fast bowler)
Asia Cup best: Winners 1984, 1988, 1990, 1995, 2010, 2018 (50-over), and 2016 (T20)

Nepal

Making their Asia Cup debut, Nepal faces a tough challenge against cricketing giants India and Pakistan. Despite reaching the World Cup qualifiers, Nepal fell short of the 50-over showpiece qualification.

ODI ranking: 15
Captain: Rohit Paudel
Key players: Aarif Sheikh (batsman), Paudel (batting all-rounder), Sandeep Lamichhane (leg-spinner), Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper-batsman)
Asia Cup best: Debut 2023

Group B: Pursuit of Glory

Bangladesh

The Tigers, having reached three Asia Cup finals without a victory, confront challenges as captain Tamim Iqbal is sidelined due to a back injury.

ODI ranking: 7
Captain: Shakib al Hasan
Key players: Shakib (batting all-rounder), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper-batsman), Mehedi Hasan Miraz (all-rounder)
Asia Cup best: Runner-up (50-over) 2012, 2018, (T20) 2016

Sri Lanka

Co-hosts Sri Lanka, a dominant force in the Asia Cup history, boast six championships. Despite their victory in the T20 format last year, injuries have posed challenges for this edition.

ODI ranking: 8
Captain: Dasun Shanaka
Key players: Kusal Mendis (opener), Dhananjaya de Silva (all-rounder)
Asia Cup best: Winners (50-over) 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and (T20) 2022

Afghanistan

With their formidable spin attack, Afghanistan, in their second Asia Cup appearance, can potentially upset top teams on their day.

ODI ranking: 9
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Key players: Rashid Khan (leg-spinner), Mohammad Nabi (all-rounder), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (off-spinner)
Asia Cup best: Super Four 2018 (50-over), 2022 (T20)

The 2023 Asia Cup promises cricket enthusiasts an enthralling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as the teams battle for supremacy in the heart of the subcontinent.

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Nepal heads to Asia Cup without Sandeep Lamichhane

Mainul Islam — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:42:29 +0000

Nepal’s cricket squad embarked on their journey to Pakistan for the ODI Asia Cup without the presence of their star spin bowler, Sandeep Lamichhane. Lamichhane, a former symbol of Nepal’s cricket rise, is facing allegations of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room last year.

Denial of Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Lamichhane has vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him. Despite his denial, he must face the legal process in Nepal. The ongoing legal case and reported health concerns are cited as reasons for his absence from the squad.

Hope for Future Participation

Pradeep Majgaiyan, the manager of the Cricket Association of Nepal, revealed that while Lamichhane will miss the initial phase of the tournament due to his legal obligations, there is optimism that he might join the team later in the competition.

Asia Cup Background

The ODI Asia Cup, featuring six nations, is set to take place from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Nepal, considered cricketing underdogs, is preparing to compete against cricket powerhouses such as India and Pakistan.

Lamichhane's Legal Journey

Last year, Lamichhane faced suspension as the national captain and was subsequently arrested in relation to the rape allegations. He was released on bail in January. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Nepal lifted his playing ban, allowing him to participate in international matches, including the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Team's Stance and Hopes

Skipper Rohit Paudel expressed the team’s stance on Lamichhane’s potential return. He emphasized that the decision regarding Lamichhane’s participation had not been finalized yet. Paudel acknowledged Lamichhane’s significant contributions to the team’s victories and expressed hope that he would rejoin the squad later in the tournament.

Nepal's Tournament Debut

Nepal is set to make its debut appearance in the Asia Cup tournament, facing host nation Pakistan on August 30 in Multan. The cricket-loving South Asian nation aspires to make a mark by performing well in the competition against formidable opponents like India and Pakistan.

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Hope and Pooran Lead Indies to Victory against Nepal, Dutch Team Inflicts Third Consecutive Defeat on USA

Mainul Islam — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:57:04 +0000

Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran displayed exceptional batting performances, scoring centuries to lead the West Indies to a convincing 101-run victory over Nepal at the World Cup Qualifier in Harare on Thursday.

Hope contributed a remarkable 132 runs, while Pooran played aggressively, smashing a quick 115. The duo formed a formidable partnership of 216 runs for the fourth wicket, rescuing their team after a shaky start. The West Indies posted a challenging total of 339/7.

The West Indies got off to a rocky start, losing Kyle Mayers early for just one run and Johnson Charles for a duck, leaving them at 9/2. However, opener Brandon King stabilized the innings with a score of 32 before being dismissed by leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.

“We were put on the back foot there,” said Hope. “The key was absorbing as much pressure as possible and then finding a way to transfer that pressure in the back end. Pooran made it a lot easier for me. The aim was to take it as deep as possible to give us the best chance towards the end.”

Hope and Pooran took control of the game in the 16th over, shifting the momentum in favor of the West Indies. Nepal’s dropped catch off Pooran early in his innings proved costly for the opposition. Wicket-keeper Aasif Sheikh missed an opportunity to dismiss Pooran off the bowling of Lalit Rajbanshi when the batsman was on just three runs.

While Hope maintained a steady pace, Pooran took on the role of the aggressor. Both players reached their respective centuries in the 40th over. Hope completed his 15th ODI hundred off 107 balls, while Pooran reached his second one-day century off 81 balls, four years after his first.

Eventually, Pooran was dismissed for 115 by Dipendra Singh Airee, who took a stunning catch off his own bowling. Rovman Powell (29) and Jason Holder (16 not out) contributed quick runs to ensure a formidable total for the West Indies. Hope was caught at long-off in the final over for 132, and the West Indies ended their innings at 339/7, with Lalit Rajbanshi taking 3/52.

Nepal struggled during their chase as Alzarri Joseph dismantled Kushal Bhurtel’s stumps in the second over. Bhim Sharki followed suit, getting caught behind off Jason Holder’s bowling while attempting a scoop shot. Although several Nepali batsmen made promising starts, only Aarif Sheikh managed to surpass fifty, scoring 63 before falling victim to a brilliant catch by Pooran in the deep. Nepal was eventually bowled out for 238.

Holder was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, claiming 3/34, while Joseph, Keemo Paul, and Akeal Hosein all took two wickets each.

With two wins in the bag, the West Indies moved ahead of hosts Zimbabwe at the top of Group A, based on net run rate. The West Indies and Zimbabwe will clash in their next match on Saturday.

In the other match on Thursday, the Netherlands bounced back from their initial defeat against Zimbabwe by inflicting a third consecutive loss on the United States. Shayan Jahangir top-scored with 71 for the USA, who managed to reach 211/8. However, Dutch captain Scott Edwards guided his team to a five-wicket victory with an unbeaten 67, supported by Teja Nidamanuru’s 58.

With the USA now eliminated from contention, the Netherlands and Nepal will face each other on Saturday in a crucial match that will likely determine which team advances to the Super Six stage.

The qualifiers continue on Friday

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