Nepal completed a clean sweep of the T20I series against the USA, sealing the final match with a dominant 8-wicket victory today. Following a disappointing run during their Canada tour, the Nepali team bounced back in style, displaying excellent form against the USA. This has raised expectations for a strong performance in the upcoming ICC World Cup League-2 ODI series. Nepal had previously edged the USA in the second match after a thrilling Super Over finish and secured the first match with a 17-run win. This marks Nepal’s maiden T20I series against the USA.
In the third match, played at Grand Prairie in Dallas, the USA set a target of 157 runs, which Nepal chased down comfortably with 8 balls to spare, losing just 2 wickets in the process.
Nepal’s batting was anchored by opener Aasif Sheikh, who scored a brilliant half-century, smashing 5 fours and 2 sixes off 39 balls. This was his 12th T20I fifty in 52 matches, alongside a T20I century in his career.
After fellow opener Anil Sah was dismissed for 13, Aasif forged a 50-run partnership with Kushal Bhurtel for the second wicket. Once Aasif fell in the 11th over, Bhurtel and Kushal Malla guided Nepal to victory with an unbeaten 74-run stand. Malla contributed 44 runs off 30 balls, hitting 4 fours and a six, while Bhurtel scored 40 off 32 balls with 2 fours and a six.
Earlier, the USA opted to bat first, putting up 156 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opener Saiteja Mukkamalla top-scored with 68 off 51 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, while Milind Kumar added 43 runs to the total.
Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Sompal Kami, who took 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs. Rijan Dhakal and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with a wicket each.
Aasif Sheikh was named Player of the Match, while Sompal Kami, who took 5 wickets across the series, was awarded Player of the Series. Despite being wicketless in the first game, Sompal made a strong comeback with 2 wickets in the second match and 3 in the final encounter.
With the T20I series wrapped up, Nepal now turns its focus to the ICC World Cup League-2 triangular series, where they will face the USA and Scotland. Nepal’s first match is slated against the USA on October 27, followed by Scotland on October 29, another fixture with the USA on November 2, and the final match against Scotland on November 4.
