In the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Australia’s Northern Territory, Nepal suffered a narrow 1-run defeat against Pakistan Shaheens in their final group stage encounter.
Chasing a target of 145 runs set by Pakistan, Nepal managed to score only 143/7 in 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Paudel top-scored with 52 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee 41 off 21 deliveries, but their efforts were not enough to take Nepal over the line.
After a slow start, Rohit and Airee built a strong partnership to revive Nepal’s chase. However, needing 8 runs in the final over, Nepal could add only 6.
Earlier, Pakistan, having won the toss and opted to bat first, posted 144/9 in 20 overs. Captain Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42, rescuing his team from a shaky position of 79/7.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami picked 3/30, while Nandan Yadav and Dipendra Singh Airee took 2 wickets each. Kushal Bhurtel chipped in with 1 wicket.
With this heartbreaking defeat, Nepal’s campaign in the Top End T20 Series ends at the group stage.