Nepal lose to Oman by five runs

KATHMANDU: Nepal lost to Oman by five runs in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kritipur on Thursday.

With this victory, Oman became winner of Group ‘A’ while Nepal first runner-up. Nepal were limited to 140 runs in allotted 20 overs losing nine wickets. Oman had posted a target of 146 runs for Nepal.

For Nepal, Bibek Yadav made highest 39 runs off 24 balls while Kushal Bhurtel 26 and Karan KC 15.  Similarly, Ashif Sheikh contributed five, Sompal Kami, Captain Rohit Poudel and Sandeep Jora 12 each and Gulshan Jha three.

Oman’s Bilal Khan took three wickets while Aqib Ilyas, Shakeel Ahmad and Mehran Khan two each. Likewise, captain Zeeshan Maqsood bagged one.

Earlier, invited into bat first after losing the toss, Oman scored 145 in allotted 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets.

For Oman, Zeeshan Maqsood made 32 runs off 26 balls. Similarly, Naseem Khusi scored 25, Pratik Athavale 24, Shakeel Ahmad 22 and Ayaan Khan 18.

For Nepal, Karan KC took three wickets while Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane two each.

Likewise, Gulshan Jha and Avinash Bohora took one each.

Nepal will play against UAE, the winner of Group ‘B’ in the semifinals on Friday.