Nepal fails to qualify for ICC U-19 World Cup following defeat to Afghanistan

KATHMANDU, July 25: Nepal’s dream to play in the ICC U-19 World Cup, 2018 has shattered after the team crashed out of the ICC U-19 qualifier for the Asian region underway in Singapore, following a humiliating 96-run defeat against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Afghanistan, which racked 12 points winning all matches, qualified for the ICC U-19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand next year. Nepal finished second in the table with eight points. Nepal won each matches against Malaysia and host Singapore, while lost both two matches against Afghanistan.

Nepal had to defeat Afghanistan with a wide-margin score in order to qualify for the next year’s World Cup, but was limited to 99-runs in 40.6 overs chasing the target of 196 runs set by Afghanistan.

Nepal started poorly as it lost early wicket for just 10 runs in 5.2 overs. Sandip Sunar made six runs before he was sent packing. The team further suffered following the dismissal of Aashif Shekh in another over. He scored just two runs.

Likewise, Pranit Thapa Magar could not open account while Anil Sah was confined to six runs- that saw Nepal losing four wickets for just 23 runs in 10.4 overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee top scored for Nepal hitting 48 runs from 81 balls with one six and seven boundaries.

Earlier, winning the toss and elected to bat first, Afghanistan secured 195 runs in 46.5 overs at the loss of five wickets.

Openers Ibrahim Zadran hit ton for his team scoring 101 run off 114 balls.

For Nepal, Shahab Alam took four wickets while Airee claimed three and captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Pawan Sarraf took a wicket each.