Kathmandu, April 13
A brilliant 80-run knock by Bashir Ahmed was not enough as Nepal lost to Kuwait by just 3 runs in the final of the Hong Kong T20I Series on Sunday, finishing as runners-up.
Chasing a target of 175 at Mission Road Ground, Nepal were bowled out for 171 with three balls remaining. Despite Bashir’s explosive 43-ball innings, Nepal failed to finish the match. He and Nandan Yadav (37 off 14) shared a record 72-run ninth-wicket stand that revived Nepal’s hopes after they had slumped to 92 for 8.
In the final over, Nepal needed 11 runs. Bashir hit a six off a no-ball, reducing the requirement to just 4 from 6 balls, but fell on the third delivery, ending Nepal’s chances.
Earlier, Kuwait posted 174/7 after being put in to bat. Opener Rajiva Sandaruwan scored 63 off 36 balls. Nepal’s bowlers made a strong comeback after conceding 71 in the powerplay, with Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav taking two wickets each.
Though Nepal had beaten Kuwait in the league stage chasing a record target, they could not repeat the feat in the final, falling agonisingly short despite a valiant lower-order fightback.
