Nepal retains ODI status with a record win over UAE

Nepal have  retained their ODI status after a record win over UAE at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur .

An impressive bowling effort helped Nepal win against the United Arab Emirates by 177 runs in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League Division 2 match.

Batting first, Nepal got off to a horrible start as they lost Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Malla in the power play. Captain Rohit Paudel steadied the innings with Bhim Sarki putting up a 54-run stand.

Paudel top-scored for Nepal with 77 runs but it was a gutsy inning by Aarif Sheikh whose 43 put help Nepal to a par total on what looked like a tricky pitch. Contributions by Gulshan Jha and Dipendra Singh Airee who scored 37 and 34 runs respectively took Nepal to 248 runs.

Chasing a total of 249 runs in a must-win match, UAE were bowled out for their lowest-ever score,  71 runs.

Lalit Ranbansi took wickets five wickets, Sandeep Lamichhane picked up two scalps, while Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up one each.

Nepal now need two more wins to reach the global qualifiers of the ICC Cricket World Cup that will be held in Zimbabwe later in the year.

Nepal will now play the PNG on Monday.