KATHMANDU: Nepal registered their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Australia’s Northern Territory, defeating the Melbourne Renegades Academy by 33 runs on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 140, the Renegades were bowled out for 106 in 20 overs. Arjun Nair top-scored for the side with 26 runs, while J Lemire made 18 and Harry Dixon added 16.
For Nepal, pacer Sompal Kami delivered a brilliant spell, taking five wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. Kusal Bhurtel picked up two wickets, while Rupesh Singh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Shahab Alam claimed one apiece.
Earlier, Nepal, who won the toss and opted to bat first, posted 139 for nine in their 20 overs. Kusal Malla top-scored with 29 runs off 22 balls, including one four and one six. Acting skipper Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 27 runs from 28 balls, while Lokesh Bam added a quick 24 off 16 deliveries. Bhim Sharki scored 17, and both Arif Sheikh and Rupesh Singh chipped in with 12 runs each.
For the Renegades, Fergus O’Neill, Lachlan Bangs, Callum Stow, and Michael Archer each took two wickets.
The result means Nepal have now won two matches in a row after losing their opening three games of the tournament.
They began with a 42-run defeat against NT Strike, followed by a 32-run loss to Bangladesh A and a 31-run defeat to Melbourne Stars. Nepal bounced back on Tuesday with a commanding 66-run win over Hobart before extending their form against the Renegades.
With two wins from five matches, Nepal have collected four points and climbed to seventh place in the standings. Only the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals.
Nepal will next face Pakistan Shaheens on Friday.
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