KATHMANDU: Nepal has clinched a spot in the finals of the SMS Friendship Cup in India after defeating Gujarat by eight runs.

In the first innings, Nepal posted a challenging target of 182 runs for Gujarat to chase down.

Opening batsmen Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh led the charge with half-centuries each, forming a solid partnership of 125 runs for the opening wicket. Bhurtel contributed 67 runs, while Sheikh scored an impressive 85 runs.

On the bowling front, Jayamet Patel was the standout performer for Gujarat, claiming three wickets, supported by Arya Desai and Drushant Soni, who took two wickets each.

In the ongoing T20 tri-series, this victory marks Nepal’s third consecutive win.

In the previous matches, Nepal emerged victorious against both Gujarat and Baroda.

Chasing Nepal’s target, Gujarat struggled to build momentum and were restricted to just 173 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Sompal Kami, Kushal Malla, and Gulsan Jha, who each claimed two wickets, while Bibek Yadav took one wicket.

With this win, Nepal maintains its undefeated streak in the tournament and secures a spot in the finals.