Nepal Sets 170-Run Target Against Bangladesh in ICC Under-19 World Cup

In a crucial Super Six match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, Nepal posted 170-run target against Bangladesh after opting to bat first in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The match witnessed a roller-coaster innings for Nepal, starting with a shaky opening and culminating in a determined effort to set a competitive total.

Nepal faced an early setback as opener Bipin Rawal departed for just two runs in 3.5 overs. Aakash Tripathi followed suit at 7.5 overs, contributing only three runs. The team was 3-29 in 8.3 overs when Arjun Kumal fell victim to Rohanat Doullah Borson after being caught by Maruf Mridha.

The middle order, led by Bishal Bikram KC’s impressive 48 runs off 100 deliveries and skipper Dev Khanal’s 35, orchestrated a crucial partnership. However, Khanal lost his wicket in the 27th over, and KC was bowled by Rohanat Doullah Borson on the last delivery of the 42nd over. The tailender Subash Bhandari added an unbeaten 18 runs, but no other batsmen reached double digits as Nepal concluded their innings at 169, losing all wickets in 49.5 overs.

Rohanat Doullah Borson emerged as the star bowler for Bangladesh, claiming four Nepali scalps, while Sheikh Paevez Jibon finished his 10-over spell with figures of 3-34.

Unfortunately, Nepal’s hopes of reaching their first-ever U-19 Cricket World Cup semi-finals were dashed after India and Pakistan secured victories in their respective Super Six matches on Tuesday. India dominated New Zealand with a 214-run victory, earning six crucial points in Group 1, while Pakistan secured a three-wicket win over Ireland, also accumulating six points.

With Nepal being a third-placed team from Group D and having no points in Super Six Group 1, their chances of advancing have diminished. Even if they manage to defeat both Bangladesh and India in their upcoming fixtures, the teams carry forward points and net run rate earned against fellow qualifying Super Six teams, leaving Nepal with no possibility of progressing to the semi-finals.