Dallas, Texas: Nepal faced a rough start to their 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign as they returned to cricket’s biggest stage after a decade, losing their opening match in Group D to the Netherlands by six wickets at the Grand Prairie Stadium on Tuesday.
Having lost the toss and being asked to bat first, Nepal managed only 106 all out in 19.2 overs. Their innings was marred by a disciplined Dutch bowling attack that exploited the overcast conditions. The top-order collapsed early, with openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh failing to provide a solid start.
Netherlands spinners Tim Pringle (3-20) and Logan van Beek (3-18), along with pacers Paul van Meekeren (2-19) and Bas de Leede (2-22), wreaked havoc on Nepal's batting lineup. Captain Rohit Paudel was the lone fighter, scoring a brisk 35 off 37 balls, but he received little support from the middle order.
Nepal found themselves in trouble at 15-2 in 3.1 overs and never recovered as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Despite a late surge from Karan KC (17 off 12 balls) and Gulsan Jha (14 off 15 balls), Nepal could only manage to reach 106. The final three wickets fell without adding any runs, ending Nepal's innings on a disappointing note.
In response, the Netherlands chased down the target comfortably with six wickets in hand, led by Max O’Dowd’s 48 not out.
Nepal will need to regroup quickly before their next match in the tournament.
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