The Nepal national cricket team faced a 4-wicket defeat against the USA ‘A’ team in a practice match during their ongoing tour of the United States. The match was part of Nepal’s preparations for the upcoming ICC World Cup League 2 series, scheduled to begin on October 27, where Nepal will face Scotland and the USA.
Nepal struggled with their batting, being bowled out for a mere 80 runs in just 25.3 overs. The top order collapsed, with opener Anil Sah dismissed for a duck and Arjun Saud managing only 5 runs. Middle-order batters Kushal Bhurtel (2), Rohit Paudel (8), Dipendra Airee (5), and Aarif Sheikh (2) all failed to make an impact.
The highest score came from lower-order batter Kushal Malla, who contributed 18 runs while batting at number eight. Dev Khanal, batting at number ten, added 12 runs, while Bhim Sharki, coming in at number seven, scored 10. Sandeep Lamichhane scored 1 run, and Karan KC remained unbeaten on 7, while Nepal also benefited from 10 extras.
For USA ‘A’, Aarin Nadkarni was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets. Ayan Desai claimed 2 wickets, and Abhishek Paradkar, Utkarsh Srivastava, and Ali Sheikh took 1 wicket each.
Chasing a modest target of 81 runs, USA ‘A’ reached the target in 23.1 overs, losing 6 wickets in the process. Rahul Nitesh Reddy top-scored with 29 runs, while Rahul Jariwala added 26, and Sanjay Krishnamurthy contributed 10 runs.
Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking 4 wickets in his 8.1 overs, including one maiden, conceding only 27 runs. This was Lamichhane’s first match of the tour after missing the T20I series against the USA due to visa issues. Lalit Rajbanshi and Rijan Dhakal picked up 1 wicket each, but their efforts couldn’t prevent Nepal from losing the match.
Despite Lamichhane’s brilliance with the ball, Nepal’s batting woes continued, leaving them with much to work on ahead of the crucial World Cup League 2 matches.
