Nepal’s U19 Team Displays Resilience Despite Loss to New Zealand

In a encounter to kick off their U19 World Cup 2024 campaign, Nepal faced off against New Zealand, with the Kiwis emerging victorious in a high-scoring clash. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, setting an imposing total of 303 runs on the board.

The New Zealand openers got off to a solid start, making an impressive 53 runs without losing any wickets in the first powerplay. However, Nepal mounted a strong comeback, claiming three crucial wickets in just 27 balls, reducing New Zealand to 67/3. The turning point came with a massive partnership between captain Jackson and Snehith Reddy, who together forged a formidable 157-run alliance for the fourth wicket. Just when it seemed New Zealand was on course for a massive total, Aakash Tripathi struck, breaking the pivotal partnership. The wickets continued to fall quickly, but Snehith Reddy stood firm. In a stellar display of batting prowess, Reddy crafted an innings for the ages, smashing an unbeaten 140 runs off just 128 balls. Subash Bhandari led the Nepalese bowling attack, taking three wickets, while Gulshan Jha chipped in with two wickets. Dipesh Kandel, Tilak Bhandari, and Aakash Tripathi each contributed with a wicket.

With a target of 304 runs to chase down, Nepal faced early setbacks, losing wickets in the very first over with no runs on the board. The troubles continued, and by the sixth over, Nepal found themselves at 18/2. The captain, Dev Khanal, and Arjun Kumal then orchestrated a resilient 59-run partnership, providing a glimmer of hope for the Nepalese side. Dev Khanal played positively during this period, but after his departure, wickets tumbled, and Arjun Kumal found himself fighting a lone battle. Kumal played a commendable innings, scoring 90 runs off 104 balls. Sagar Bhandari added a valuable 33 not out off 52 balls, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.

At the end of the 50 overs, Nepal managed to reach 238/9, falling short by 65 runs. New Zealand’s bowlers showcased a collective effort, with Mason Clarke leading the pack with three wickets. Ewald Shreuder and Oscar Jackson picked up two wickets each.

The standout performance of the match came from Snehith Reddy, who was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match for his extraordinary knock of 147 not out off 125 balls. His innings proved to be the defining factor in New Zealand’s victory, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating U19 World Cup.