An exhilarating match unfolded during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, where Nepal faced off against the United States at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The U.S.A. triumphed in a thrilling contest, winning by three wickets with just two balls remaining.
After winning the toss, the U.S.A. chose to field first, hoping to utilize their bowling capabilities to limit Nepal to a reachable score. Nepal’s innings got off to a confident start, with openers Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh forming a sturdy partnership. Sah scored a measured 56 runs from 62 deliveries, while Aasif Sheikh added a brisk 52 off 53 balls. Despite their strong start, crucial wickets fell regularly for Nepal, thanks to the U.S.A. bowlers.
The standout performance of Nepal’s innings came from captain Rohit Paudel, who delivered an impressive 96 runs off 75 balls. His innings was a mix of aggression and skill, featuring eight fours and three sixes, which helped Nepal reach a competitive total. U.S.A.’s bowlers, especially Nosthush Kenjige, who recorded four wickets for 52 runs, played a key role in keeping the runs under control. Additional support came from Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh, who took two and one wickets respectively, as Nepal concluded their innings at 286 all out in their allotted 50 overs.
In pursuit of 287 runs, the U.S.A. experienced an early loss when opener Andries Gous was dismissed for a mere one run by Sompal Kami. However, Shayan Jahangir steadied the innings with a remarkable century. Jahangir scored 104 runs off 97 balls, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, providing much-needed stability. His partnership with captain Monank Patel, who made 62 off 76 balls, was crucial in regaining momentum after the early setback.
Nepal’s bowlers fought hard to protect their total, with Kushal Bhurtel shining as he took four wickets for just 23 runs. His efforts were complemented by two wickets from Kami and an economical spell from Lalit Rajbanshi, who claimed one wicket for 29 runs in eight overs. Despite these efforts, the middle-order contributions from Harmeet Singh (57 off 44 balls) and a vital unbeaten 29 from Shadley van Schalkwyk kept the U.S.A. firmly in contention.
As the match neared its conclusion, the excitement intensified. The U.S.A. needed 19 runs off the last three overs, and it was Harmeet Singh’s aggressive play that moved the team closer to their target. Although Singh was dismissed in the 48th over, van Schalkwyk and Jasdeep Singh maintained their composure. Jasdeep Singh’s quickfire 11 runs off 6 balls, including a six, left the U.S.A. requiring just six runs in the final over.
With just two balls to go, the U.S.A. secured their victory, finishing at 291 for seven in 49.4 overs. Shayan Jahangir’s outstanding century earned him the Player of the Match accolade, marking a significant contribution to the U.S.A.’s win.
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