Nepal registered its second win in the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Australia, defeating Melbourne Renegades Academy by 33 runs in their fifth match.
Chasing a modest target of 140, Melbourne Renegades Academy were bowled out for 106 with one ball remaining. Sompal Kami starred with the ball, taking a match-winning 5 wickets. Kusal Bhurtel picked up 2 wickets, while Shahab Alam and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Nepal opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 139/9 in 20 overs. Regular captain Rohit Kumar Paudel was benched, with vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee leading the side. Nepal also left out wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh, sending Bhim Sharki to open alongside Kusal Bhurtel.
The opening partnership did not last long as Bhurtel was dismissed for 1 run off 6 balls. At No. 3, Aarif Sheikh combined with Bhim Sharki for a quick stand, but both departed early, scoring 12 (7) and 17 (12) respectively. Nepal lost three wickets for 32 runs and were under pressure.
A crucial 50-run partnership between Airee and Kushal Malla steadied the innings. Malla made 29 off 22 balls, while Airee contributed 27 off 28 before being dismissed. Nepal then lost wickets in quick succession, with Gulshan Jha (2) and Sompal Kami (0) falling cheaply.
At 100/7, Lokesh Bam provided a late boost with a quickfire 24 runs off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four in the last three balls of the 19th over. Rupesh Singh added 16 off 21 as Nepal reached 139/9.
Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack then bundled out Melbourne Renegades Academy to seal a convincing win.
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