India Dominates Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 with a Convincing 10-Wicket Victory

In a stunning display of cricket prowess, India secured a resounding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in a thrilling match held under the banner of the Asia Cup 2023, taking place in Sri Lanka. The match, which had to be revised to 23 overs per side due to rain, saw India chase down a modest target of 145 runs with ease.

India’s opening batsmen led the charge, with Captain Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten with an impressive 74 runs off 59 balls, while Subhman Gill contributed 67 not out runs from 62 balls. This remarkable performance sealed India’s spot in the Super 4s of the regional tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council.

Originally scheduled as a 50-over contest, the match was shortened due to persistent rain at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Colombo. As a result, India was given a revised target of 145 runs to be achieved in 23 overs.

Despite Nepal employing seven bowlers, none of them managed to secure a breakthrough, with Kushal Malla emerging as the most economical, conceding only 11 runs in his three overs.

Earlier in the day, the match was halted by rain when India had reached 17 runs in 2.1 overs in pursuit of Nepal’s initial target of 231 runs.

Nepal, playing only its second international match and its first against India at Pallekele cricket stadium, managed to post a total of 230 runs in 48.2 overs before being bowled out. Nepal got off to a good start with an opening partnership of 65 runs before Kushal Burtel was dismissed in the second last ball of the 10th over.

However, the Nepali team struggled as Bhim Sarki, captain Rohit Paudel, and Kushal Malla failed to reach double digits. Aasif Sheikh provided some resistance, scoring 58 runs off 97 balls before being caught by Mohammad Siraj. Gulshan Jha contributed 23 runs from 35 balls.

The lower order, featuring Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami, managed to stabilize the innings by adding 50 runs in 55 balls for the 7th wicket. Sompal Kami, who narrowly missed a half-century, was caught behind by Mohammad Sami after scoring an impressive 48 runs from 56 balls, including two sixes. Airee contributed 29 runs off 25 balls.

India’s bowling attack was led by Rabindra Jadeja, who took three wickets, while Mohammad Siraj secured two wickets. Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Sami, and Hardik Pandya each claimed one wicket.

This match marked the second appearance of Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023. In their first match against hosts Pakistan in Multan, Nepal suffered a defeat by a margin of 238 runs. This encounter between Nepal and India was historic, being the first-ever international match between the neighboring countries and only the second international game in Nepal’s ODI history.

With two losses in as many games, Nepal has been eliminated from the competition, failing to qualify for further stages.