In a consecutive loss in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, Nepal faced defeat against Afghanistan on Sunday, falling short by 73 runs. Afghanistan set a target of 262 runs, and Nepal managed to score 188 runs in 40.1 overs before being all-out.
Despite an outstanding performance by opener Arjun Kumal, who scored 91 runs, Nepal couldn’t secure a victory. Arjun’s exceptional innings consisted of 108 balls and included 13 boundaries. However, no one was there to support him in the crease.
At 18.3 overs, Uttam Magar who scored 4 runs was dismissed and was followed by Akash Tripathi, who was dismissed for a duck in the next two balls, both falling victim to Afghan bowler Faridoon. Gulshan Jha (17), Dipesh Kandel (11), Subash Bhandari (8) also fell quickly.
Earlier, Captain Dev Khadka made a brief contribution, scoring 24 runs before being dismissed. Afghanistan’s Faridoon and Maroofkhil took three wickets each in the bowling innings.
In Dubai, Nepal won the toss and chose to field. Afghanistan set a target of 261 runs in 49.3 overs. Afghan batsman Jamshed Zardan contributed a century, retiring at 106 runs in the final over. He played an essential role in a partnership with Rahimullah Zurmati, who scored 35 runs, and later with Numan Shah, contributing 60 runs.
For Nepal, Hemant Dhami took two consecutive wickets in the seventh over, dismissing Akram Mohammadzai and Khalid Taniwal. Gulshan Jha, Subash Bhandari, Akash Chand, and Dipesh Kandel also secured one wicket each.
Having lost to Pakistan in their first match, Nepal will now play against India in their final group stage match.
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