Kathmandu, August 31
Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Nepal’s bowlers put on a dominant display as Nepal began their ACC Premier Cup campaign with a seven-wicket victory over Bahrain.
Playing at the YSD-UKM Oval in Bangi, Malaysia, on Monday, Nepal chased down Bahrain’s target of 88 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Arjun Kumal remained unbeaten on 36, while Rohit Paudel was not out on 19 as Nepal completed the chase.
Bahrain’s Imran Javed took two wickets, while Nepal lost another wicket through a run-out.
Earlier, Bahrain were bowled out for 87 in 36.2 overs after being asked to bat first.
Captain Lamichhane was the star of Nepal’s bowling attack, taking five wickets for just 14 runs in his 10 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi claimed three wickets and Karan KC took two.
Fiaz Ahmed top-scored for Bahrain with 15 runs, while Muhammad Wasim made 13 and Ali Dawood scored 10.
Lamichhane made an immediate impact when he took a wicket with his first delivery. He then claimed another wicket with the fourth ball of the over.
He added another wicket in his fifth over before taking one each in his seventh and eighth overs to complete his five-wicket haul.
Nepal will play their second match of the tournament against hosts Malaysia on Thursday.
