KATHMANDU: Nepal has set a target of 153 runs for Pakistan in the ongoing match under U-19 Asia Cup.

After losing the toss, Nepal had to take to batting first against Pakistan. Nepal scored 152 runs in 47.2 overs.

Uttam Thapa Magar and Dipesh Kandel forged a crucial partnership, adding 68 runs for Nepal. Their alliance provided much-needed stability to Nepal’s batting, which was struggling after losing 5 wickets within 46 overs.

Uttam secured 51 runs off 76 balls, featuring 3 fours and 2 sixes. This marks Uttam’s second half-century in U-19 internationals, following his previous fifty against UAE.

Opener Arjun Kumal contributed with the bat until the team lost 3 wickets, tallying 21 runs from 37 balls, including 3 fours. Meanwhile, Bipin Rawal departed after adding 7 runs from 9 balls. Captain Dev Khanal was dismissed without scoring, and Gulsan Jha lost his wicket after being bowled.

Dipesh, entering at number six, scored 31 runs off 59 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six. Akash Chand and Subas Bhandari added 17 runs for the final wicket, elevating Nepal’s total past 150. Akash scored 5 runs, while Subhas Bhandari remained unbeaten on 8 runs.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Zeeshan claimed an impressive 6 wickets. Amir Hasan secured 2 wickets, while Ubaid Shah and Ali Asfand clinched 1 wicket each.