Nepal missed 2014 U19 Cricket World Cup, but when they made a return this year, they made sure that they keep up the ‘giant killer’ tag intact by beating New Zealand by 32 runs in the very first match at Fatullah, Bangladesh.
For the records, it’s Nepal’s 20th victory in the U19 Cricket World Cup in 38 matches and 7th against Test-playing nations. It’s also Nepal’s second victory against New Zealand in as many matches having beaten them by a wicket to win the Plate Championship in 2006.
Nepal, which won the qualifying event in Malaysia last year to return to the World Cup after missing the previous tournament in 2014, bowled out the Kiwis for 206 after it was set a 239-run target.
Nepal was put to bat first by the New Zealand. Sandeep Sunar and Sunil Dhamala got Nepal a steady start with 39-run partnership. Although it’s not a great start but it did provide a good foundation for Nepal’s normally weak batting. Sunil (15) got out in 9th over while Yogendra Singh Karki (6) followed quickly making it 50/2.
When Sandeep was out for 39, Nepal was 68/3 in 19th over from where 200 looked a uphill task. But good partnerships in middle order lead by captain Raju Rijal, who scored man of the match winning 48, and little cameo by Kushal Bhurtel took Nepal to 238/7 in 50 overs.
Aarif Sheikh (39), Rajbir Singh (24), Kushal (35 not out off 23 balls) and Dipendra Singh Airee (16 off 17) contributed for Nepal’s total. Nepal scored 51 runs in last 5 overs of the match.
It was seamer Dipender Airee’s three wickets and off-spinner Prem Tamang’s two wicket which helped clinch the win. Prem took two crucial wickets of Glenn Phillips (52) and captain Josh Finnie (37) while Dipendra got best of tail-enders. Dale Phillips scored 41 to make a late victory bid for New Zealand before he was last out to spark joyous celebrations in the Nepali camp.
“This was a great win for us,” said Raju. “We fielded brilliantly to effect three run-outs and that turned the match for us.”
New Zealand skipper Finnie said his side messed up what should have been a comfortable run-chase. “We made the target more difficult for ourselves,” he said. “We must now win the next two games against India and Ireland if we are to progress.”
Nepal will meet Ireland on Saturday, January 30.