The Nepalese team celebrated a decisive win in the first T20 match against the Ireland Wolves at the TU Cricket Ground on Monday. Chasing a modest target of 122, the home side secured a comfortable six-wicket victory.
Aasif Sheikh provided a strong start for Nepal, scoring 16 runs. Despite a brief stumble with the dismissals of Rohit Paudel (0) and Gulshan Jha (4), Kushal Bhurtel and Sundeep Jora steadied the innings with a crucial 54-run partnership. Jora, who capitalized on a dropped catch, went on to score 36 vital runs, while Bhurtel played a steady innings, finishing unbeaten on 37. Dipendra Airee sealed the victory with a boundary, remaining unbeaten on 20 off 12 deliveries.
Gareth Delany was the standout bowler for the Wolves, taking two wickets, with Thomas Mayes and Ben White claiming one apiece.
Earlier, Nepal’s bowlers put on a clinical display, restricting the Ireland Wolves to a total of 121 in 20 overs. Karan KC set the tone early, dismissing Ross Adair in the second ball. Stephen Doheny top-scored for Ireland with a resilient 46, but a lack of partnerships saw wickets tumble at regular intervals.
Kushal Bhurtel (2 wickets), Lalit Rajbanshi (2 wickets), and Gulshan Jha (2 wickets) starred for Nepal. Kushal Malla and Karan KC also picked up a wicket each.
This dominant performance gives Nepal a significant early advantage in the series.
