KATHMANDU - Nepal were bowled out for exactly 157 runs for the second consecutive match after another difficult batting performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 in Utrecht on Thursday.
Two days after being dismissed for 157 in 46.5 overs against Namibia, Nepal recorded the identical total against the Netherlands, this time lasting 44.4 overs at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd.
After winning the toss, Netherlands elected to bowl first and their bowlers justified the decision by keeping Nepal under pressure throughout the innings.
Nepal lost Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel with the score on 25. Captain Rohit Paudel was then dismissed for three before Ishan Pandey departed for four, leaving Nepal struggling at 42/4 after 12 overs.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh attempted to rebuild the innings with a measured partnership. Dipendra made 21 from 42 deliveries before being dismissed by Logan van Beek with Nepal’s total on 75.
Aarif continued to hold the innings together and added an important stand with Gulshan Jha. Gulshan provided some attacking intent, striking one four and two sixes in his 29 from 42 balls. Their resistance took Nepal to 123 before Gulshan was caught and bowled by Roelof van der Merwe.
Aarif was Nepal's highest scorer with 41 from 90 balls, including four boundaries. Sompal Kami contributed 10, while Karan KC remained unbeaten on 13.
Nepal lost Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi in consecutive deliveries as the innings ended at 157 in 44.4 overs.
Alex Roy claimed 3/24 from eight overs, while Van der Merwe took 3/15 from 6.4 overs. Van Beek finished with 2/21.
