Nepal started their U-19 Asia Cup campaign with a 55-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener held in the UAE today.
Chasing a target of 234 runs in Dubai, Nepal were bowled out for 178 in 46.2 overs.
Mayan Yadav was the top scorer for Nepal with a gritty 62 runs off 91 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. Other notable contributions came from Aakash Tripathi (19), Arjun Kumal (12), Santosh Yadav (11), Naren Bhatta (12), Uttam Magar (17), and Naren Saud (16). For Sri Lanka, Praveen Maneesha took 3 wickets, while Newton Ranjithkumar, Kugadas Mathulan, and Vihas Thewmika claimed 2 wickets each.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 233 in 49.5 overs. SSharujan Shanmuganathan top-scored with 62 runs, followed by Lakvin Abeysinghe with 50, Kavija Gamege with 37, and Vimath Dinsara and Dulnith Sigera, who both scored 24. None of the other Sri Lankan batters managed to reach double figures.
In Nepal’s bowling attack, left-arm spinner Santosh Yadav shone with 4 wickets, conceding 45 runs in 10 overs. Leg-spinner Yuvraj Khatri took 2 wickets, while captain Hemant Dhami and Naren Saud chipped in with 1 wicket each.
Nepal is placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. They will face Bangladesh and Afghanistan next, with their second match scheduled for Sunday, December 1. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Japan.
