Nepal Secures Big Win Over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in ICC World Cup League 2 Tri ODI Series.
In a record-breaking match, Nepal secured a nine-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in the ICC World Cup League 2 triangular ODI series. Now Nepal is just one win away from the top 3 ranks to qualify for the World Cup Qualifiers. Nepal now needs the next win against UAE, to directly qualify for the Qualifiers.
1st Inning: Papua New Guinea Struggles to Make Runs
Nepal won the toss and elected to bowl first in the ICC World Cup League 2 against PNG. Making this excellent decision, the team make a significant impact and bowled out PNG for just 95 runs in 32 overs. Nepal’s left-arm spinner Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane were the key contributors in restricting Papua New Guinea to a low total.
By dismissing the opener, Kipling Doriga, for only two runs, Lalit Narayan Rajwanshi secured the victory. He continued in applying pressure to the Papua New Guinea batsmen, finishing with stats of 2 wickets for 13 runs in 7 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane, on the other side, claimed a five-wicket haul while conceding only 25 runs in 10 overs, including a maiden. In the final delivery of his spell, he bowled out Semo Kamiya, securing the final wicket of the innings.
Hiri Hiri made 14 runs, captain Assad Vala made 20 runs, Sese Bau made 18 and Charles Amini made 16 runs for PNG.
2nd Inning: Nepal Secures Dominant Win Over PNG
Chasing a small target of 96 runs, Nepal dominated Papua New Guinea’s bowling attack, winning the match by a record nine wickets. Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh provided Nepal with a flying start, adding 53 runs in just 4.4 overs. Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for 33 runs off 14 balls by Chad Soper. But Asif Sheikh continued to pile on the runs, scoring an unbeaten 53 off just 21 balls. He hit 8 fours and 3 sixes, registering his eighth half-century in ODI cricket.
In just 7.4 overs, Nepal achieved the mark and won the game with plenty of extra overs. Kushal Mall stayed unbeaten with 12 runs. Compared to their eight-wicket victory against the United States in 2020, this is Nepal’s largest victory in terms of wickets.
Sandeep Lamichhane’s Five-Wicket Hauls
Sandeep Lamichhane has been a key player for Nepal in the ongoing ICC World Cup League 2 triangular ODI series. He has taken five wickets against PNG, which helps Nepal to win the game. Sandeep previously took six wickets each against the United States in 2020 and Papua New Guinea in 2021. He is now the second Nepali bowler after Karan KC to take five wickets three times.
Nepal’s Path to the ODI World Cup Qualifiers
Nepal is currently in a position for direct qualifying to the ODI World Cup Qualifiers, which will be placed in Zimbabwe in June and July. If they defeat UAE in the last match of the series, they will directly qualify for the qualifiers. However, if Nepal loses the game with UAE then they have to play Qualifier Play-Off to get a spot in World Cup Qualifier. The Qualifier Play-Off will be held in Namibia from 26 March – 5 April 2023. The top 2 teams of the World Cup Qualifier Play-Off will get a chance to play the World Cup Qualifier game.
Nepal’s Recent Form
Nepal has been in great form recently. They have won 10 matches out of 11 matches. They have been dominant in the ongoing ICC World Cup League 2 triangular ODI series, winning all four matches played so far. Nepal will be hoping to continue their winning streak against UAE so that they will directly qualify for the World Cup qualifiers.
Points Table
Scotland finished top with 50 points from 36 matches with 24 wins and 10 losses. Oman is second with 44 points from 36 matches with 21 wins and 13 losses. Namibia is third with 39 points from 36 matches with 19 wins and 16 losses.
Nepal is in fourth place with 38 points out of 35 matches with 18 wins and 15 losses. The USA is in fifth place with 35 points from 36 matches. UAE is in sixth place with 31 points from 34 matches with 14 wins and 17 losses. Papua New Guinea won 5 in 35 matches.
