NOIDA, July 11: Nepal Under-19 team was 117 for three in 25 overs chasing the target of 279 as rain interrupted the fourth practice match at Shaheed Vijay Pathik Sports Complex, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
A relatively strong Noida XI boasted the likes of Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Anureet Singh, former India U-19 left-handed opening batsman Tanmay Srivasatava and former India fast bowler Parwinder Awana including other regular state players.
Kalaiya batsman Anil Sah smashed five fours in 11 deliveries contributing 22 runs in a partnership of 35 runs with Aadil Khan also batting on 22 runs as rain restricted any further play. Nepal was on a course of recovery set up the chase after losing in-form batsman Dipendra Singh Airee for nine runs reeling the score on 82 for three in 21st over.
Aasif Sheikh contributed 28 runs supported by Pranit Thapa Magar’s 27 after Sandeep Sunar was forced to retire out on five runs due to a minor shoulder injury. Sunar was deemed fit to play if needed later in the match. Nimit Saini picked up two wickets for Noida XI.
Earlier, Noida XI won the toss and elected to bat. Nepal U-19 skipper Sandeep Lamichhane was rested for the practice match.
A former Kolkata Knight Riders player Rahul Yadav and Anureet Singh blasted their way a brisk partnership of 139 runs after an early loss of experienced opening batsman Tanmay Srivastava. Anureet went on to smash a scintillating ton scoring 121 runs including 14 fours and seven sixes.
Nepal pulled back the innings as part-time spinner Rohit Poudel scalped four wickets supported by Rashid Khan’s three as Noida collapsed from two for 144 to nine for 257. A regular Indian Premier League bowler and pinch-hitter Parwinder Awana provided the boost down the order for Noida smashing five sixes in his cameo of 43 runs in just 35 deliveries as they were all out for 278 runs in final over. Lalit Rajbanshi and Shahab Alam picked up one wicket each.
Nepal U19 team will play the fifth practice match on July 13, 2017, at the same venue. Nepal is in Greater Noida preparing for the upcoming ICC U19 Asia Qualifiers to be held in Singapore. Malaysia, Singapore, and Afghanistan are the other three nations who will compete along with Nepal for a place in the U19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2018.
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