DARWIN: Nepal registered their first win in the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Australia’s Northern Territory, defeating Hobart Hurricanes by 66 runs in their fourth match on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 181, Hobart were bowled out for just 114 runs in 16.1 overs. Nepal’s Nandan Yadav starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 17 runs in his three-over spell. Captain Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Rijhan Dhakal, and Sandeep Lamichhane chipped in with a wicket each.
For Hobart, Brad Hope top-scored with 31 runs, while Charlie Wakim added 28 and Jake Curtin remained unbeaten on 20.
Earlier, after winning the toss and batting first, Nepal posted 180 for 7 in 20 overs. Aarif Sheikh scored the highest with 33 runs, while Aasif Sheikh made 29 and Kushal Bhurtel 27. Lokesh Bam provided a late flourish, remaining not out on 25 off 11 balls. Nepal also benefitted from 32 extras.
Among Hobart’s bowlers, Nivethan Radhakrishnan took 2 wickets for 20 runs in four overs, while Raf Macmillan also claimed 2 wickets. Marcus Binn, Gabriel Bell, and Brad Hope picked up one wicket each.
This victory came after Nepal suffered defeats in their first three matches—against NT Strike, Bangladesh A, and Melbourne Stars. Nepal will next face Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday, followed by Pakistan Shaheens on Friday.
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