Kathmandu: In a thrilling encounter at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Namibia secured a hard-fought victory over Nepal by two wickets in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match.
The visitors chased a target of 169 runs posted by Nepal with 10 overs to spare.
Losing the toss, Nepal bat first but struggled to build momentum, posting a total of 168 runs before being bowled out in 37.1 overs. Despite a valiant effort from opener Kushal Bhurtel, who managed to score 18 runs off 16 balls, Nepal’s innings faltered as Anil Kumar Sah and Dev Khanal were dismissed for ducks early on.
Wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh emerged as the top scorer for Nepal, smashing 58 runs off 64 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Kushal Malla contributed 36 runs off 52 balls before being dismissed by Gerhard Erasmus. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against Namibia’s disciplined bowling attack, with only Bhim Sharki (26) and Karan KC (12) managing to reach double figures.
Namibia’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance, with Bernard Scholtz and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton claiming four wickets each, while Jack Brusell and Gerhard Erasmus also made crucial breakthroughs.
In the chase, Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus showcased his class with the bat, scoring a brilliant 52 runs off 56 balls, adorned with 8 fours and 2 sixes. JJ Smit provided steady support, remaining unbeaten on 34 runs off 66 balls, including one four and two sixes.
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