Sports
Khakurel finds form
Subash Khakurel starred with a winning half century as Nepal ‘B’ defeated Nepal ‘C’ by three wickets as the second round of the Super League cricket tournament kicked off here at the TU grounds on Saturday.Subash Khakurel starred with a winning half century as Nepal ‘B’ defeated Nepal ‘C’ by three wickets as the second round of the Super League cricket tournament kicked off here at the TU grounds on Saturday.
In a tournament that serves as selection event for Nepal’s upcoming World Cricket League Championship match against Papua New Guinea (PNG) slated for November 16 and 18 in the UAE, it was second half century for Khakurel who was dropped out from the national side due to poor form. However, his innings on Saturday came for a winning cause.
Electing to bat first, skipper Sharad Vesawkar struck a half century lifting his side to 199 all out in 47.3 overs. Khakurel anchored the Nepal B innings with a composed 73 off 131 balls with four boundaries and a six. He began the chase with a 57-run opening wicket partnership with Prakash Bista (20). Khakurel watched wickets tumbling from the other end but he stuck to the crease taking his side close to victory.
When Khakurel was dismissed, his side was just 17 runs away from victory. Shakti Gauchan (12) and Antim Thapa (five) held on to take them across the finishing line. Amit Shrestha (21) and Binod Bhandari (20) also gave a good helping hand to Khakurel up the order. Sompal Kami picked up 4-46 from 10 overs for Nepal C.
Earlier, Anil Mandal and Sagar Pun rebuilt Nepal ‘C’ innings with a 52-run stand for the second wicket. But after both batsmen headed back to pavilion, their struggle began. Vesawkar was the lone fighter making 71 off 73 with six fours and two sixes. Samsad Ansari kept impressive with his left arm spin picking up 5-35 from 6.3 overs.
Ansari had also completed a seven-wicket haul in the opening round of the league. Mandal made 33 off 66 with two fours, while Sagar chipped in 29 off 39 with five boundaries. Shakti Gauchan also picked up two wickets for Nepal ‘B’.