Nepal’s batting effort fell short as they were bowled out for a modest total of 106 runs against the Netherlands in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 Group D encounter at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, USA today.
Opting to bat first, Nepal’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing opener A. Sheikh for just 6 runs in the very first over. A couple of promising partnerships steadied the ship briefly, with A.K. Sah contributing 7 runs and K. Malla top-scoring for Nepal with 9 runs.
However, the Dutch bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making frequent inroads. The experienced D.S. Airee chipped in with a valuable 10 runs, while S. Kami’s brisk 13 provided some impetus to the Nepali total.
It was R. Paudel’s defiant 15-run knock that pushed Nepal past the 100-run mark before the innings folded for 106 in 19.2 overs. Karan KC remained unbeaten on 18.
For the Netherlands, the wickets were shared among their bowling attack, with G. Jha and A. Bohara being the pick, claiming three wickets apiece.
Defending a modest total of 107 on the batting-friendly Grand Prairie Stadium pitch, Nepal’s bowlers will need to produce an inspired performance to keep their hopes alive in this must-win Group D encounter against the formidable Dutch batting line-up.
The game is delicately poised heading into the second innings in Texas.
