Kathmandu, August 31
Nepal lost to Pakistan by 238 runs in the first match of the Asia Cup on August 30.
The number one ODI team in the world, Pakistan, humbled Nepal in what was Nepal’s biggest test in international cricket.
Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first on a hot day in Multal. Even though Nepal got two quick wickets after Karan KC sent back Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq was run out by captain Rohit Paudel.
Things, however, started to go down afterwards as Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with Mohammad Rizwan and then with Iftikhar Ahmed. Azam, who was drooped made Nepal pay with a supered 151 while Ahmed punished Nepal’s bowling attack with a quickfire century as the pair put up 214 runs for the fifth wickets taking Pakistan to an imposing total of 342.
In reply, Nepal got off to a horrible start losing Kushal Bhurtel and Paudel in the first over. Aasif Sheikh soon followed as Nepal were reduced to 14 for three in the second over.
Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami tried to settle the innings but Haris Rauf’s pace proved too much for the two as Nepal crumbled under pressure. Some rash shots followed from Gulshan Jha, Kushal Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane as Nepal were only able to put up 104 runs on the board in 23.3 overs.
Nepal will take on India on September 4 in their second match of the Asia Cup.
