Dipendra Airee’s brilliance helped Nepal to surpassed Papua New Guinea by 6 wickets with 162 balls to spare.
Airee scored unbeaten 50 runs from 58 balls which saw Nepal chase the modest total of 115 runs within 23 overs. He smashed 3 sixes and a four on his way registered his second List ‘A’ half century. Earlier, winning the toss, Nepal opted to field first on sunny morning of Harare. Nepal’s pace bowling duo made difficult for PNG’s batsmen right from the beginning. They were getting remarkable assistance from the surface as both Sompal Kami and Karan KC picked up a wicket each. After then, teen sensational Sandeep Lamichhane (4-29) destroyed the PNG’s middle order’s backbone. Whereas Airee (4-14) was too good against PNG’s lower order. For PNG, most of their batters got start but they couldn’t convert it. As per Cricbuzz’s journalist, strategy to attack against spinner cost them a batting collapse. 7 batsmen touch the double figure but still Amini topped their batting card with just 19 runs on bank. Kila (15), Bau (11) and Ura (11) were other notable performer for PNG with the bat.
Chasing the target, Nepal didn’t started too well as Nepal were reduced to 13-2 within 3 over after their both openers, Gyanendra Malla (01) and Anil Sah (09) back in change room successively. But thanks to Airee (50)* who remain unbeaten throughout the inning and cross the winning line for Nepal. Aarif Sheikh (26), Paras Khadka (20) were other notable performer for Nepal with the bat in hand. For PNG, Vanua picked up two wickets where Nao and Reva chipped in with a wicket each. Vanua sent back Anil Kumar Sah and Aarif Sheikh.
Well, with this defeat PNG relegated to division II where Nepal will play 7th place play-off on March 17. Nepal will hope for Netherlands victory on underway clash against Hong Kong. If so happen then Nepal will earn ODI status for four years by the end of the tournament. Where, If Hong Kong come out as winner then, winner between Nepal and Hong Kong will get fortune of ODI status.
