Nepal commenced the new year in stellar fashion, securing an impressive 3-0 clean sweep against Canada. This series, crucial in the build-up to the ICC CWCL-Two, the qualification pathway for Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe, saw Nepal strategically rest key players, signaling a shift in the team dynamics. Canada, having reclaimed their ODI status last year after a hiatus of 9 years, arrived in Nepal for their first series since regaining the coveted status. The intensity of the competition was amplified as both teams geared up for the upcoming Cricket World Cup League 2 series.
In a tactical move, Nepal opted to rest established names in the national team, including the versatile trio of Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, and Karan KC. The team management also infused fresh energy by including four uncapped players in the squad. This strategic decision not only provided an opportunity to test new talent but also showcased Nepal’s depth in cricketing prowess.
The clean sweep against Canada sets a promising tone for Nepal as they embark on a challenging journey in the Cricket World Cup League 2 series, ultimately aiming to secure their spot in the prestigious Cricket World Cup 2027.
Match 1: Rohit Paudel’s Bowling Brilliance Propels Nepal to a 7-Run Victory in Series Opener
In a thrilling series opener, Nepal’s skipper, Rohit Paudel, showcased his magic with the ball, leading the team to a 1-0 lead against Canada. Opting to bat in morning conditions after winning the toss, Paudel handed debut caps to emerging talents Surya Tamang and Rijan Dhakal. The opening partnership set a promising tone, amassing 48 runs in 9.1 overs before Asif Sheikh departed at 9 runs.
However, Nepal encountered consistent wicket losses, with seven batsmen reaching double digits, but only Kushal Bhurtel (62 off 58) managed to convert it into a substantial score. Contributions from Aarif Sheikh (38 off 50) and Sompal Kami (27 off 23) guided Nepal to a respectable total of 224. Canada’s Uday Bhagwan claimed three crucial wickets, while skipper Saad Bin Zafar and Ishwarjot Singh took two each.
Chasing the target of 225, Canada faced early setbacks with debutant Rijan Dhakal and Sompal Kami removing both openers. Despite this, Pragat Singh and Nicholas Karton counterattacked, scoring half-centuries and adding 79 runs for the third wicket. Rohit Paudel broke through, dismissing Pragat for 50 runs off 58 deliveries. Karton continued his resistance, accumulating 68 off 99, supported by Harsh Thaker’s 34 off 43.
The turning point came in the 33rd over as Nepali spinner Kushal Malla trapped Thaker. Subsequently, Canada lost wickets steadily, with the lower order failing to reach double digits. They were ultimately all-out for 217 in 47.5 overs. Rohit Paudel starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi picked up two. Sompal, Rijan, Kushal, and Pawan contributed with one wicket each.
For his match-winning bowling performance, Rohit Paudel was rightfully declared the Player of the Match, securing a 7-run victory for Nepal.
Match 2: Rohit Paudel’s Heroics Propel Nepal to Record Chase, Securing 2-0 Series Lead
In a high-octane second match of the series, Nepal’s skipper Rohit Paudel orchestrated a remarkable record chase, propelling his team to a 2-0 series lead against Canada. Winning the toss, Canadian Captain Saad Bin Zafar opted to bat first, setting a challenging target of 286 runs.
Canada’s openers justified the decision, accumulating a formidable 94-run partnership for the first wicket in just 18.2 overs. However, the introduction of debutant Akash Chand proved pivotal, dismissing Navneet Dhaliwal for 46 runs, and a runout by Bhim Sharki and Asif Sheikh accounted for the departure of another opener, Aaron Johnson. Pragat Singh and Nicholas Kirton further solidified Canada’s position with a 53-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite being at 179-2 in 31 overs, Rohit Paudel intervened, claiming crucial wickets, and Canada found themselves at 239-8 in the 45th over. The lower order, led by wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva (40 off 42) and Uday Bhagwan (20 off 15), resisted Nepali bowling, reaching a commendable total of 285-9. Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla took two wickets each, while Sompal, Kushal Malla, Surya Tamang, Akash Chand, and Pawan Sarraf contributed with one wicket each.
Chasing the target of 286 runs, Nepal had a sensational start as Anil Sah scored the fastest half-century for Nepal in ODIs in just 19 balls. However, quick wickets followed, and Nepal found themselves at 64-2 in 6.3 overs, with Anil dismissed on the very ball he completed his fifty in his comeback match. The national team skipper was then joined by U19 Captain Dev Khanal, and the duo steadily built momentum. Adding 150 runs for the 3rd wicket in just 164 balls, Dev Khanal achieved a personal best, scoring 76 off 81 runs. Rohit Paudel, switching gears, added 39 more runs with Bhim Sharki. Although Nepal lost quick wickets, including Rohit for 87 off 101, Sompal Kami and Kushal Malla steered the team home with 4 wickets and 29 balls to spare. This remarkable chase marked the joint-highest successful chase for Nepal in ODIs.
For his exceptional all-round performance, Rohit Paudel was once again deservedly named the Player of the Match, solidifying his pivotal role in Nepal’s victory.
Match 3: Nepal Secures Clean Sweep as Centuries by Anil Sah and Bhim Sharki Seal Victory in Series Finale
In a triumphant conclusion to the series, Nepal clinched a comprehensive clean sweep by defeating Canada in the third and final match. Opting to field after winning the toss, Nepal introduced debutant Hemant Dhami, the only remaining uncapped player in the squad. Dhami immediately made an impact, claiming the first scalp by dismissing Aaron Johnson for just 4 runs.
Despite efforts from Canada’s Navneet Dhaliwal (50 off 82) and Srimantha Wijayeratne (22 off 28), who forged a 48-run partnership, wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Canada at 132-5 in 36.5 overs. The lower order, however, displayed resilience, guiding Canada to a total of 232-8 at the end of 50 overs. Nikhil Dutta contributed with 45 off 62, and skipper Saad Bin Zafar remained unbeaten with 31 off 15. Debutant Dhami shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Kushal Malla and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed 2 and 1 wicket(s) respectively. Akash Chand also chipped in with a wicket.
Chasing the target of 233, Nepal had a flying start as Canada incurred a 5-run penalty for the first inning. The openers set the stage ablaze, with the third opening pair scoring 40 runs in just 4.5 overs before Kushal Bhurtel fell for 13 off 14 balls to Dhilon Heyliger. However, this turned out to be the last wicket of the match as another opener Anil Sah and Bhim Sharki, promoted to No. 3, crafted a record-breaking unbeaten partnership of 189 runs. This partnership surpassed Nepal’s previous first-wicket record of 171 against Zimbabwe, securing the highest partnership in ODI cricket for Nepal.
Both Anil Sah and Bhim Sharki showcased their class by scoring centuries in the chase. Anil Sah remained unbeaten at 112 off 124 balls, while Bhim Sharki contributed 101 off 129 balls. This historic achievement marked the first time two Nepali batsmen scored centuries in the same match. Anil Sah was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his splendid batting display.
Despite not contributing with the bat or ball in the final match, Rohit Paudel was named the Player of the Series for his outstanding all-round performance throughout the series, including leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker at the start of the last match of the series.
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