Nepal suffered a 106-run defeat against the United States in the first match of the ICC World Cup Cricket League–2 UAE series.
Chasing a target of 263 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Nepal were bowled out for just 156 runs in 39.1 overs.
For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee scored the highest 40 runs. Similarly, Aasif Sheikh made 37 runs, Bhim Sharki scored 20, and Sompal Kami added 11 runs. No other Nepali batsman managed to reach double figures.
In bowling, USA’s Harmit Singh took six wickets alone. Shubham Ranjane claimed two wickets while Rishabh Argikar took one wicket.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being invited to bat first, the USA posted 262 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs.
For the USA, Smit Patel and Milind Kumar scored brilliant half-centuries. Patel scored 75 runs off 100 balls with the help of nine fours, lifting the American innings. Milind Kumar remained unbeaten on 70 runs off 50 balls.
Nepal bowled tightly in the first 10 overs but later conceded runs. In bowling, Sandeep Lamichhane took two wickets for Nepal, while Sompal Kami, Arif Sheikh, and Dipendra Singh Airee took one wicket each.
The triangular series includes Nepal, the USA, and the UAE. In the ongoing League–2, Nepal have played 17 matches in four series and are in seventh position with 12 points. The USA top the table with 30 points from 21 matches based on net run rate. Scotland are second with 30 points from 24 matches.
Eight nations are competing in League–2, each playing a total of nine series comprising 36 matches. Every team will play three series at home and six series away. The top four teams in the competition will directly qualify for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027.
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