KATHMANDU: Nepal struggled with the bat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup. Batting first after losing the toss at the Al Amarat Cricket Ground, Nepal was bowled out for 153 runs in 41 overs.
Sohail Kunwar top-scored for Nepal with 33 runs off 71 balls, including 3 fours. Sachin Bhatta contributed 32 runs from 55 balls. Darsh Sonar and Neeraj Kumar Yadav both scored 16 runs each. Other notable contributions came from Ashish Luhar with 11 runs, while Nischal Chhetri, Shubham Khanal, and captain Bipin Sharma each added 9 runs. Nitesh Patel scored 5 runs, and Sushil Rawal made 2, while Prasidh Jaisi was dismissed for a duck.
Nepal’s innings got off to a difficult start, with Neeraj Kumar Yadav falling as the first wicket at 18 runs. The team was reduced to 36 for 3 as Prasidh Jaisi and Nischal Chhetri were dismissed in quick succession. Despite an effort from Kunwar and Sonar to steady the innings, the team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, preventing them from posting a competitive total.
UAE bowler Naseem Khan led the attack, taking 5 wickets for 43 runs in 8 overs. Ayan Misbah claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs, and Nurullah Ayobi took 2 wickets. Nepal previously lost their opening match of the tournament to India by 10 wickets.
