Bhurtel hundred, Dhami four-for give Nepal 81-run win over Jersey

Kathmandu - Nepal defeated Jersey by 81 runs in the first one-day match of their Jersey tour at NCC Grainville on Monday.

Asked to bat first after Jersey won the toss, Nepal posted 250/8 in 50 overs. Kushal Bhurtel led the innings with a patient century, scoring 105 off 117 balls with 13 fours. Bhim Sharki supported him with 39 off 63 balls as Nepal built a total that proved well beyond Jersey's reach.

For Jersey, Daniel Birrell and Nick Greenwood picked up two wickets each.

Chasing 251, Jersey were bowled out for 169 in 41 overs. Charlie Brennan fought with an unbeaten 82 off 111 balls, while Birrell added 41 off 50 deliveries. But Jersey never fully recovered after losing early wickets.

Hemant Dhami was Nepal's standout bowler, taking 4/37 in seven overs. Aarif Sheikh was equally effective, returning 3/9 from five overs, while Karan KC picked up 2/21. Sandeep Lamichhane also claimed one wicket.

The win gives Nepal a strong start to their two-match one-day series in Jersey. Nepal are using the tour as preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series in the Netherlands, where they will face the Netherlands and Namibia.