Nepal end impressive run with Afghanistan scalp
Team sends fancied opponent out of contention in World Twenty20.
Khakurel hit six boundaries and a six during his 56-run knock before falling to pacer Shapoor Zadran. PHOTO: ICC
CHITTAGONG:
First-timers Nepal upset a higher ranked and more experienced Afghanistan by nine runs in Sylhet to record their second win in the World Twenty20 tournament on Thursday.
Nepal, sent in to bat, were lifted by opener Subash Khakurel’s career-best 56 to 141 for five and restricted their opponents to 132 for eight in a Group A match.
The defeat meant Afghanistan lost two of their three matches and failed to reach the next round.
Paceman Jitendra Mukhiya, who finished with three for 18 in four overs, jolted Afghanistan with two early wickets, while spinner Shakti Gauchan took two wickets in one over to leave Afghanistan in tatters on 50 for five.
Shafiqullah Shafiq (36) and Asghar Stanikzai (49) did their best to stop the collapse. But a 24-run target in the last over proved way beyond Afghanistan’s reach.
Nepal skipper Paras Khadka showed delight in the win.
“Afghanistan are a good team and this win showed we are improving with every day and it was a very good tournament for us,” said Khadka whose country played their first-ever major cricket event.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2014.
First-timers Nepal upset a higher ranked and more experienced Afghanistan by nine runs in Sylhet to record their second win in the World Twenty20 tournament on Thursday.
Nepal, sent in to bat, were lifted by opener Subash Khakurel’s career-best 56 to 141 for five and restricted their opponents to 132 for eight in a Group A match.
The defeat meant Afghanistan lost two of their three matches and failed to reach the next round.
Paceman Jitendra Mukhiya, who finished with three for 18 in four overs, jolted Afghanistan with two early wickets, while spinner Shakti Gauchan took two wickets in one over to leave Afghanistan in tatters on 50 for five.
Shafiqullah Shafiq (36) and Asghar Stanikzai (49) did their best to stop the collapse. But a 24-run target in the last over proved way beyond Afghanistan’s reach.
Nepal skipper Paras Khadka showed delight in the win.
“Afghanistan are a good team and this win showed we are improving with every day and it was a very good tournament for us,” said Khadka whose country played their first-ever major cricket event.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2014.