Nepal produced another spirited batting performance in the second T20 International against West Indies, finishing on 173/6 in 20 overs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Early setbacks
The innings started with a setback as Mohammad Aadil Alam replaced the injured Nandan Yadav, while star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane remained out amid ongoing controversy. Nepal lost Kushal Bhurtel (2) and captain Rohit Paudel (3) cheaply, both falling to West Indies skipper Akeal Hosein, leaving the score at 39/2 after the powerplay.
Middle-order recovery
Just as Nepal looked to rebuild, Kushal Malla was run out following a mix-up, putting further pressure at 43/3. However, opener Aasif Sheikh played with composure, striking freely to bring up his eighth T20I half-century off 38 balls.
At the other end, Sundeep Jora counter-attacked with power hitting, smashing 5 sixes and 3 fours en route to his fourth T20I fifty. His innings of 63 off 39 balls was his career-best and gave Nepal the momentum they desperately needed.
Strong finish
The pair shared a brilliant 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying the platform for a competitive total. Jora eventually departed, but Sheikh carried his bat with an unbeaten 68 off 47 balls (8 fours & 2 sixes), guiding Nepal to 173/6 at the close.
Nepal now set West Indies a target of 174 runs to clinch the three-match series.
