WC League-2 Tri-Nation ODI series: Nepal beat USA by 5 wickets

KATHMANDU: With Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel’s half-century, Nepal made a flying start to their Tri-Nation ODI series under the World Cup League 2, defeating the USA by five wickets on Monday.

In the match played at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, the USA scored 230 runs after winning the toss at the cost of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs.

Nepal chased a 231-run target in 49 overs losing five wickets.

Nepal made a good start after opener duo Asif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel shared 66 runs in partnership for the first wicket.

Bhurtel, who made his first half- century in the ODI, scored 93 runs off 84 balls hitting three fours and three sixes for Nepal. Rohit Paudel contributed unbeaten 62 runs.

Similarly, wicket keeper and batsman Binod Bhandari made 37 runs of 48 balls hitting two fours and a boundary.

Captain Gyanendra Malala returned to the pavilion after scoring 17 runs.

Bikram Sob, spinner duo Sandeep Lamichhane and Susan Bhari took two wickets each. Likewise, Kushal Malla pocketed one wicket.

Nepal will play their second match with the host team Oman on Tuesday.