Nepal Displays Strong Performance Against Dominant India

Nepal showcased a resilient performance against the formidable Indian cricket team during their second match of the Asia Cup at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Opting to bat first, Nepal's innings concluded at 230 runs in 48.2 overs, driven by noteworthy contributions from Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami. In response, India, following a rain delay during the second innings, received a revised target of 145 from 23 overs. They effortlessly achieved this goal, scoring 147 without losing any wickets, securing a 10-wicket victory under the DLS method.

Nepal's batsmen took an assertive approach after India's captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and elected to field. Making their debut appearance against India, Nepali openers Bhurtel and Sheikh got off to a flying start, amassing 65 runs in the initial 10 overs. Despite several missed chances by Indian fielders early in the match, Bhurtel and Sheikh built a confident innings, consistently finding the boundaries. This was against a star-studded Indian bowling attack featuring Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur.

Thakur made the breakthrough in the tenth over when Bhurtel edged the ball, and Ishan Kishan secured the catch behind the stumps. Bhurtel, who survived a few early scares, managed a rapid 38 off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

However, after the introduction of Ravindra Jadeja into the attack, India made a quick recovery by taking key wickets, reducing Nepal to 101-4. While Sheikh remained steady at one end, he witnessed the dismissals of Bhim Sharki (seven runs), skipper Rohit Paudel (five runs), and Kushal Malla (two runs) in quick succession. Sheikh and Gulsan Jha then collaborated to resurrect the innings, adding 31 runs for the fifth wicket. During this partnership, Sheikh reached his 10th ODI half-century with a single off Siraj in the 28th over.

Just when Sheikh seemed poised for a substantial score, Siraj induced a leading edge, resulting in a straightforward catch by Virat Kohli at short cover. Kohli had previously dropped Sheikh when he had only scored one run in the first over. Sheikh departed after contributing 58 runs off 97 balls, featuring eight boundaries. Jha was dismissed 12 runs later, caught behind by Kishan off Siraj, for 23 runs from 35 balls, including three fours.

Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami then combined forces, adding 50 runs for the sixth wicket, taking Nepal's score close to the 200-run mark. After Airee's departure, Kami partnered with Sandeep Lamichhane (nine runs) to form a 34-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Unfortunately, Nepal lost its last three wickets in quick succession, ultimately being bowled out with six balls to spare.

Like Sheikh, lower-order batsman Kami delivered a stellar performance, scoring 48 runs from 56 balls, including a boundary and two sixes. Siraj (3-61) and Jadeja (3-40) claimed six wickets collectively, while Shami, Pandya, and Thakur each secured one.

"I got off to a good start early on and was looking to maximize it. I intended to bat through until the 40th over, but unfortunately, that didn't materialize," Sheikh commented. "This is a significant platform for us, and we are showcasing ourselves well. Nepali fans are showing tremendous support, and we are grateful to them. We receive fantastic support wherever we go."

While Nepal caused initial trouble for India's captain Rohit Sharma in the opening over, Sharma survived close calls on two occasions. Nepal even sought a review in the third ball of the innings, but replays revealed that the ball narrowly missed the edge of Sharma's bat. After Karan KC conceded only one run in the first over, Shubman Gill struck Sompal Kami for three boundaries in the second over. Sharma then scored a boundary off KC's first ball in the following over before rain temporarily interrupted play, with India at 17-0 in 2.1 overs.

When the game resumed, India was provided with a revised target. While Nepal impressed with their batting, the bowlers failed to meet expectations. India's openers, Sharma and Gill, steered their team to victory, each achieving half-centuries. Captain Sharma remained unbeaten with 74 runs from 59 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes, while Gill contributed an undefeated 69 runs from 62 balls, featuring eight boundaries and a six.

Regrettably, Nepal, who had suffered a substantial 238-run defeat against Pakistan in their opening match on August 30 in Multan, was eliminated from the tournament following two consecutive losses in their maiden appearance in the Asia Cup. In contrast, India advanced to the Super Four stage alongside Pakistan.