Nepal secured an exciting win by seven runs in the first match of the one-day cricket series against Canada.
Chasing a moderate target of 225 runs for victory at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday, Canada was reduced to 217 runs losing all wickets in 47.5 overs.
Nicholas Kirton made a half-century, scoring 68 runs for Canada. Similarly, Pargat Singh scored 50, Harsh Thaker scored 32, and opener Aaron Johnson contributed 20 runs. However, other players failed to reach double figures.
Captain Rohit Paudel took four wickets ( 8-0-41-2) for Nepal, leading the bowling attack against Canada. Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Rijan Dhakal, Kushal Malla, and Pawarn Sarraf each took one wicket.
Earlier, Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a total of 224 runs for the loss of all wickets within the allotted 50 overs. Opening batsman Kushal Bhurte led the charge with a half-century, notching 62 runs for Nepal. His innings comprised nine boundaries and one maximum, all achieved in just 58 deliveries.
Similarly, Aarif Sheikh scored 38 runs, Sompal Kami contributed 27 runs, Kushal Malla added 20 runs, Bhim Sarki scored 17 runs, Pawan Sarraf managed 15 runs, and Surya Tamang contributed 10 runs.
Udaya Bhagwan from Canada took three wickets in bowling. Saad Bin Zafar and Ishwarjot Sohi claimed two wickets each, while Shahid Ahamadzai and Harsh Thaker took one wicket each.
Surya Tamang and Rijan Dhakal made their One Day International debut in this match.
The second match between Nepal and Canada is scheduled for February 10, with the final match set for February 12.
