Kathmandu, July 20
Nepal’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 U-19 cricket World Cup have received a jolt after they suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Afghanistan.
After the completion of the first round of matches, Afghanistan top the table with big wins against Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal. Nepal are second with two wins. As only the top-finishing side qualify for the World Cup, Nepal would need a massive win against the Afghans to beat the rivals on run rate.
Having won the toss, Nepal put Afghanistan to bat. The Afghans put up a modest 190 runs on the board losing all their wickets in 49.4 overs. Spinners Pawan Sarraf and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets a piece while left arm orthodox bowler Shahab Alam picked up three.
Nepal could only muster 49 runs before the Afghans sent all Nepali batsmen to the pavilion. Right-arm pacer Naveen-ul-Haq wreaked havoc, claiming three batsmen on the trot to complete his hat-trick. Lower order batsman Pawan Sarraf showed some resistance with his 22, but soon ran out of partners as well as luck.
Nepal now play Singapore on Friday, Malaysia on Monday and Afghanistan on Tuesday.
