Nepal defeats USA by 35 runs in ICC WC League Two

KATHMANDU: Nepal defeated the USA by 35 runs in the ongoing ICC World Cup League Two match played at the Kirtipur-based TU Ground on Saturday.

Chasing down the 191-run target set by Nepal, the USA managed to get only 155 runs on the board losing all wickets in 44.1 overs. It is the first win for the host in the trilateral series.

Ian Holland top-scored for the USA at 75 runs off 111 balls hitting seven fours. Cameron Stevenson contributed 37 runs. Nepal’s Karan KC grabbed four wickets as Sushan Bhari took three wickets. Sandeep Lamichhane sent two American batsmen back to the pavilion.

Earlier put to bat after losing the toss, Nepal notched-up 190 runs on the board losing all wickets in 49.2 overs.

Kushal Malla, a debutant batsman from Nepal became the youngest player ever to score a half-century in men’s one-day international cricket – going to the top of a list ahead of the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Shahid Afridi.

At 15 years and 340 days, he is the youngest player to reach the milestone in the format. He broke the record set by his countryman, Rohit Paudel, against the UAE in Dubai last year. Previous to that, the youngest player to score an ODI 50 was the Indian great Tendulkar.

Binod Bhandari top-scored for Nepal at 59 runs while skipper Gyanendra Malla contributed 21 runs. Cameron Stevenson of the USA took three wickets.

Karan KC was declared player of the match.