Nepal Under-19 made a dream start to their campaign with a historic 42-run victory over arch-rivals Afghanistan in a tense, low-scoring clash at Dublin. Despite a modest total on the board, Nepal’s disciplined bowling display turned the match around brilliantly.
Morning rain delayed the start, and Afghanistan opted to bowl first under gloomy conditions. Openers Subhash Khakurel and Fazlur Rahman provided a steady foundation, adding 50 runs for the first wicket. Fazlur looked fluent before falling for 26, triggering a mini-collapse reminiscent of Nepal’s warm-up match against Namibia.
While wickets tumbled at regular intervals, Khakurel remained composed. He crafted a vital 50 off 95 balls with five boundaries, single-handedly holding Nepal’s innings together. Struggling against spin and unable to build further partnerships, Nepal were bowled out for 154 in 44.3 overs.
Defending a below-par total, Nepal came out firing. Naresh struck in the very first over, handing Nepal a perfect start. Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shaidi (29) and captain Shir Shirzai (21) rebuilt the innings with a 50-run partnership, but spinner Rahul Bishwokarma broke the stand in the 19th over.
From there, the momentum shifted decisively. Afghanistan collapsed to 112 all out in 38 overs, with Nepal’s spinners dictating the game. Rahul starred with superb figures of 7.5–0–23–4, while Prithu Baskota added three wickets.
Khakurel was named Player of the Match for his fighting half-century. Reflecting on the win, he said the confidence gained from this victory proves Nepal’s strength, especially through their spinners.
Nepal will now take on Scotland on Friday, July 29, at Merrion Cricket Club Ground, Dublin.
