Top End T20 Series: Nepal loses to Pakistan by 1 run

Nepal has lost to Pakistan by 1 run in the 30th match of the Top End T20 Series held in Australia.

To restrict Nepal from reaching the target, Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Akram grabbed 2 wickets each while Mohammad Salman took 1 wicket for Pakistan.

Despite captain Rohit Paudel’s 52-run score, Nepal was restricted in a nai-biting thrill from reaching the target.

Dipendra Singh Airee scored 41 runs while wicket keeper Aasif Sheikh contributed 27 runs. Similarly, Lokesh Bam scored 10 runs. The other batsmen could not score double-digit runs.

Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss at Marrara Cricket Ground No 2, Darwin, Pakistan notched up 144 runs losing 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Captain Irfan Khan topped the score with 42 runs including 3 fours and 1 six off 26 deliveries followed by Abdul Samad with 26 balls while Mohammad Wasim contributed 23 runs. Similarly, Mehran Mumtaz scored 10 runs.

On the bowling side, Sompal Kami took the highest 3 wickets while Nandan Yadav and Dipendra Singh Airee grabbed 2 wickets each and Kushal Bhurtel took 1 wicket for Nepal.

Nepal, which was preparing for the T20I World Cup, has played a total of 6 matches in the Top End T20 series. After losing consecutively in the first 3 matches of the series, Nepal has won the last 3 matches.

Nepal defeated MR Academy by 33 runs and HH Academy by 66 runs. It lost to Melbourne Stars Academy by 31 runs, Bangladesh A by 32 runs and Northern Territory Strike by 42 runs in the first match of the series.

While the Pakistani team has advanced into semifinal, Nepal crashed out of the group stage. With this win, Pakistan is in the second place in the points table with 8 points from six matches of the group stage.

Chicago Kingsmen is at the top with one match left to play. The only unbeaten team, Chicago, has advanced into the semi-finals by staying atop before the last match.

Now Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Cricket Academy have one match each to play.

The Academy will play its last match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on Saturday. If the Academy wins that match, its chances of reaching the semi-finals will also be high.

Similarly, Melbourne Stars will play its last match against Australian Capitals on Saturday itself. If Melbourne wins this match, two teams from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Scorchers will reach the semi-finals based on net run rate.