By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea in their triangular T20I series match by 15 runs on Monday. Chasing a target of 184 runs for victory, Papua New Guinea were all out for 168 runs in 19.2 overs.
PNG’s Norman Bhanua’s quickfire 52 runs off 29 balls was the highest score by an individual of the visiting team. His explosive innings included 5 boundaries and 4 sixes.
The visitors who were in need of 17 runs from the last eight balls suffered a major setback when Bhanua was out for an LBW in Karan KC’s ball in the 19th over. In the very next ball, Dipendra Singh Airee caught a long-off attempt by Shimon Aati to ensure Nepal’s victory.
Nepal took the last three wickets giving away just one run.
Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC took three wickets each while Avinash Bohara took two wickets and Sompal Kami bagged one.
Earlier, Nepal who were invited to bat first after losing the toss at TU Cricket Ground, made 183 runs losing 9 wickets in 20 overs. Nepal’s opener Aasif Sheikh contributed the highest 43 runs off 35 balls for the team. His innings included 5 boundaries and a six.
PNG’s Eli Nao, Chad Soper and Charles Amini took two wickets each. Norman Bhanua and Railey Hekure took a wicket each.
Nepal will next face Malaysia in their second match on Wednesday. Malaysia will play against PNG in their first match on Tuesday. Nepal had lost both ODI matches against PNG.
T20I Triangular Series Schedule
March 30 – Nepal Vs Malaysia 12:30
March 31 – Nepal Vs Papua New Guinea 12:30
April 2 – Nepal Vs Malaysia 12:30
April 4 – Top two teams 12:30
