KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Nepal U-19 succumbed to their second consecutive defeat in the ongoing Quadrangular U-19 One-Day Series played at Ekana International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, India on Friday. India U-19 ‘A’ wrapped up the match in 24.1 overs chasing 156 runs presented by Nepal.
India’s YV Rathod and wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh shared a match winning partnership of 79 runs to complete their second win of the tournament. It was Nepal’s second defeat in as many matches.
Rathod smashed five boundaries and a six on his way to unbeaten 59 runs from 68 deliveries supported by Singh’s 46 not out runs off 29 deliveries including two boundaries and three sixes. India U-19 skipper Arjun Rawat added 47 runs at top of the innings facing 44 deliveries. He smashed eight fours during his stay. Nepal U19’s Pawan Sarraf and Kamal Singh Airee were the only wicket-takers for Nepal on the day. Samsaad Alam, Sagar Dhakal and Rashid Khan went wicket-less in their three, four and two overs respectively.
Nepal’s poor run against India continues, faces another loss
Earlier, Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first in their second match of the tournament, following up from the loss against India U-19 ‘B’ on Wednesday. Nepal made two changes in the playing XI as pace bowler Rashid replaced Kishore Mahato and wicket-keeper batsman Rit Gautam replaced Bipin Rawal.
Nepal had a torrid start as they were reduced to 23 runs for the loss of three wickets as skipper Aasif Sheikh and newcomer Gautam were dismissed for ducks and opening batsman Ravi Shah fell for five individual runs on the board. The other opening batman Trit Raj Das, the member of U-16 national team last year, played his shots scoring 46 runs before losing his wicket. He smashed seven fours during his 86-ball stay.
Sundeep Zora continued from where Das left, scoring 66 runs from 93 deliveries, his career best for national team. He smashed five fours and a six before losing his wicket to Ajay Dev Goud who claimed other three wickets as well on the day. Zora shared crucial partnerships of 69 runs with Das, followed by 49 with Bhim Sharki for the fourth and fifth wickets, respectively.
Despite scoring 141 runs in the 41st over for the loss of four wickets, Nepal innings soon folded out for 156 runs in 45.5 overs. Nepal lost last six wickets adding 15 runs to the total after the wicket of Zora. Sarraf registered a duck whereas Airee who played a cameo in the last game was dismissed for four runs. India’s Goud and YD Mangwani shared four wickets each in a dominant display of bowling by India. Rajesh Mohanty and Yashasvi Bhupendra Jaiswal picked up a wicket each.
This is Nepal’s second loss in as many games in the tournament following up the loss by 40 runs against India U-19 ‘B’ on Wednesday. Nepal will play their third game against Afghanistan U-19 in the league on Sunday.
BRIEF SCORES
Quadrangular U-19 One Day Series at Ekana International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Nepal U19 (TOSS) 156 (45.5 Ov)
Zora 66, Das 46, Goud 24/4
India U19 A 157/2 (24.1 Ov)
Rathod 59*, Rawat 47, Singh 46*
India U19 A Won by 8 Wickets
Man of the Match: Ajay Dev Goud
