Nepal outperformed USA by 8 wickets in the concluding match of their three-game T20I series. Following the disappointment of Saturday’s super over, USA struggled to present a cohesive performance. Nepal effectively stifled a rising USA, who had reached 125 for 3 after 16 overs, limiting them to a final score of 156 with the same limiting strategy that had worked against USA the previous night. Fast bowler Sompal Kami (3 for 27) was a persistent threat once again, as USA’s batters faltered under pressure in the closing overs. Aasif Sheikh marked his tour’s first half-century, with notable contributions from Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla, both of whom scored quick 40s, leading Nepal to a comfortable victory over a lackluster USA total, which fell well short of par given the favorable conditions.
On winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Monank Patel was unable to seize the opportunity on a used pitch. The captain was trapped leg before wicket by an inswinging delivery from Kami in the second over. His series runs now total just 6 after 3 innings, marking a significant dip in form. Rijan Dhakal quickly dismissed Andries Gous, who skied the ball to mid-off shortly after arriving at the crease, leaving USA in a precarious position at 18 for 2 in the 3rd over.
Sai Teja Mukkamalla started brightly with three boundaries, but a series of quick dismissals and Aaron Jones’ slow start marred USA’s powerplay, concluding the first 6 overs at 38 for 2, with Jones at a mere 8 off 13 balls. Taking on the offensive role, Mukkamalla broke free by launching Aarif Sheikh over long leg and then striking through backward point to boost USA’s momentum. Lalit Rajbanshi ended Jones’ struggle by forcing him to hole out at deep extra cover for 13 off 16 in the 8th over.
With Milind Kumar’s entrance, USA exhibited a sense of urgency. The duo aggressively targeted the medium pace of Gulsan Jha, who had managed the middle overs discretely throughout the series. Mukkamalla and Milind forged a 76-run partnership for the 4th wicket over 60 balls, but they fell short of providing the finishing touch that USA has consistently lacked this series. In the last 4 overs, USA could only accumulate 31 runs, with a third of those coming in the final three deliveries, largely due to Harmeet Singh’s late flourish.
Despite the batting struggles of senior players surrounding him, the 21-year-old Mukkamalla improved his reputation throughout the series. After a somewhat restrained innings of 47 the previous night, Mukkamalla rebounded quickly, scoring a commendable 68 off 47 balls.
USA’s bowlers struggled to contain Nepal’s chase requiring 157 on a pitch favorable for batting. Aasif Sheikh broke away from his initial caution by sending a wayward Saurabh Netravalkar over long leg. Juanoy Drysdale, making his series debut, was punished by Anil Sah, who struck back-to-back boundaries in his second over while Aasif dispatched him to cow corner off the last ball, forcing him out of the attack. Sah, however, continued to squander his promising starts, getting trapped in front by Jasdeep Singh early in the 5th over.
Bhurtel and Aasif kept accumulating runs regularly over the next six overs. Bhurtel resumed from where he left off the previous night, driving Nosthush Kenjige over long-on off his fourth ball. Aasif took full advantage of Kenjige’s erratic bowling, hitting boundaries on both sides of the wicket, compelling Monank to turn to left-arm spin from Harmeet Singh. However, Singh continued to be expensive, and Aasif struck another six off Netravalkar, showcasing his class as he powerfully hit it into the sight screen with a straight bat. Aasif completed his half-century off 38 deliveries but was dismissed immediately after attempting to continue his aggressive strategy against Drysdale, having previously dominated him in the powerplay.
Bhurtel then partnered with the promising Kushal Malla to guide Nepal to an easy victory. The pair dismantled a disheartened USA side with an unbroken 74-run partnership off 51 balls, both finishing with unbeaten 40s while cruising without any pressure. The comprehensive series defeat prompted concerns for USA, who now have four days to regroup before facing Nepal and Scotland in a 50-over tri-series.
Image Source: Crico – The Company Of Cricket Nepal @ YouTube
