Mandal’s Masterclass: Nepal dismantle Denmark to storm into Division 3

Anil Mandal etched his name into the history books with a sublime century as Nepal extended their winning streak to five matches, defeating Denmark by 25 runs (D/L Method) to finish as group winners in the ICC World Cricket League Division 4.

The victory ensures Nepal’s promotion to Division 3 and sets up a high-stakes final against the USA on Monday.

Key Highlights

• Century Hero: Anil Mandal became the fifth Nepali batsman to score an international hundred, smashing 113 off 134 balls.
• Promotion Secured: Nepal enters ICC WCL Division 3 as undefeated group winners.
• Captain’s Finish: Paras Khadka claimed three wickets in the final over to derail Denmark's chase.

Mandal Anchors the Innings

After being put into bat, Nepal faced an early setback when Subash Khakurel—who scored a ton just two days ago—fell for a duck on the second ball of the match. Gyanendra Malla provided a brief spark with 26, but at 50/3, Nepal looked vulnerable.

The momentum shifted during an 89-run stand between Anil Mandal and Sharad Vesawkar (27). While Mandal started cautiously, reaching his fifty in 90 balls, he exploded in the latter half of his innings, taking just 27 more deliveries to reach his maiden ton. His 113-run knock included 8 boundaries and 4 towering sixes.

Late contributions from Basant Regmi (21), Binod Das (15), and Pradeep Airee helped Nepal post a competitive 240 all out in 50 overs.

The Rain Break and Resumption

In reply, Denmark struggled early against Nepal’s disciplined attack, losing opener Carsten Pedersen in the second over. However, Andreas Lambert (47) kept the Danes in the hunt until rain halted play at the 25-over mark.

Set a revised target of 156 in 31 overs, the match turned on the very first ball after the restart. Sanjam Regmi produced a beauty to bowl the set Lambert, triggering a collapse.

Khadka Seals the Deal

Despite some expensive overs from the seamers, the spinners kept the pressure high. With Denmark needing 29 runs off the final six balls, Captain Paras Khadka took the ball and delivered a masterclass in death bowling. Khadka struck three times in the over to finish with figures of 4/34, restricting Denmark to 130/9.

Sanjam Regmi and Basant Regmi claimed two wickets each, while Shakti Gauchan remained economical with one scalp.