Shakti Gauchan emerged the hero as Nepali national cricket team defeated Sri Lanka’s Colombo Colts Cricket Club by three wickets in the first of three practice matches today.
It was a special occasion for the Nepali cricketers as Chaminda Vaas played in the game while Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwithara watched it as the special guests.
Nepal bowled out opponents for 181 in 43.3 over after being invited to bowl first. Nepal surpassed the total with five balls remaining and losing seven wickets. Vaas however didn’t bowl.
Gauchan scored unbeaten 67 while Kaniska Chaugai got half-century (51). Opener Mehboob Alam scored 30 runs in 29 balls with three big sixes while most of the other batsmen failed to stay long. Paresh Lohani and Paras Khadka opened the account while Dipendra Chaudhary and Unil Shrestha failed to.
Captain Binod Das partnered Shakti for 35 runs for sixth wicket which was vital for the win. M Puspakumara was the most successful bowler for Colts with 3/24.
Earlier, Paras Khadka bowled splendidly taking five wickets including the prized wicket of Vaas. Vaas scored nine before being caught by Binod. S Fernando, who plays in England, scored 75 for Colts. Sri Lankan national side’s fast bowler I Gamage also played the game.
Besides Paras, Mehboob, Binod, Sanjam and Unil each took a wicket.
Nepal will play two more practice matches before leaving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to play the World Cup Qualifying Series Division II starting Feb 21.