Nepal sets 269 runs target against Ireland

KATHMANDU: Nepal, which is competing with Test team Ireland for seventh place in the ICC World Cup qualifiers, has set a target of 269 runs.

After losing the toss at Takashinga Sports Club Harare, Nepal scored 268 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs.

Gulshan Jha remained unbeaten on 57 runs by playing a half-century innings.

Similarly, Arjun Saud contributed 48 runs, Kushal Malla 44, Sandeep Lamichhane 32, captain Rohit Poudel 29, and Bhim Sarki 20 runs.

For the eighth wicket, Sandeep and Gulshan Jha also shared a record partnership of 80 runs. This is the highest partnership for number eight from Nepal in ODIs.

Earlier, Dipendra and Sandeep shared 79 runs for the eighth wicket against UAE on Sunday.

Ireland’s Barry McCarthy took 2 wickets, Mark Adair 2, and Craig Yong 2 wickets.

Nepal, who is facing Ireland in ODI for the first time, wants to make set a winning record against the test cricket-playing nation Ireland.

Earlier in the playoffs, Nepal defeated UAE by three wickets while Ireland defeated America by six wickets.