The Nepalese cricket team, currently on tour in Canada, secured a 37-run victory over Oman in the ongoing tri-nation T20 International series.
This was Nepal’s first win in the tour, achieved in their sixth match. Earlier, Nepal had faced defeats in all three matches of the ICC World Cup League 2 One Day International series, while one match was abandoned due to rain. Additionally, Nepal lost their opening T20I match against the hosts, Canada, by 5 wickets.
Chasing a target of 177 runs set by Nepal, Oman was bowled out for 139 runs in 19.1 overs.
For Oman, Shoaib Khan top-scored with 45 runs from 39 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. Rafiullah added a quick 33 runs off 12 balls, including one four and four sixes. Pratik Athavale contributed 15 off 14 balls, while Khalid Kail scored 11.
From the Nepalese bowling side, Karan KC took 3 wickets, while Kushal Bhurtel and Gulsan Jha grabbed 2 each. Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Rijan Dhakal claimed 1 wicket each.
Earlier, Nepal, batting first after losing the toss, posted a total of 176 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs at the King City Cricket Ground.
Gulshan Jha was the top scorer for Nepal, smashing an unbeaten 40 runs off 17 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. He shared a crucial 61-run partnership with Kushal Bhurtel for the sixth wicket. Bhurtel contributed 20 runs off 17 balls, including one four and one six. Nepal managed to add 79 runs in the last 32 balls after being 97-5 at one stage. Dipendra Singh Airee remained not out on 18 runs, hitting one four and two sixes off just 5 balls.
Kushal Malla chipped in with 30 runs off 26 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, while openers Anil Shah and Aasif Sheikh each scored 27 runs.
For Oman, skipper Aqib Ilyas took 3 wickets, while Zeeshan Maqsood and Fayyaz Butt claimed one wicket each.
Nepal will face Canada in their third match on Tuesday, followed by another match against Oman on Wednesday.
