Kathmandu [Nepal], August 31 – Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane claimed five wickets as Bahrain were bowled out for 87 in 36.2 overs setting Nepal a target of 88 in their opening match of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia on Monday.
Batting first after losing the toss at the YSD-UKM Oval in Bangi, Bahrain struggled against Nepal’s bowling attack and failed to build a substantial partnership.
Lamichhane was the standout performer taking five wickets for just 14 runs in his 10 overs including four maiden overs. Lalit Rajbanshi claimed three wickets for 20 runs while Karan KC took two for 14.
Fiaz Ahmed top-scored for Bahrain with 15 runs while Muhammad Wasim contributed 13 and Ali Dawood scored 10. No other Bahrain batter reached double figures.
Nepal’s bowlers kept consistent pressure on Bahrain throughout the innings dismissing the side with 13.4 overs still remaining.
The result gives Nepal a strong start to its Premier Cup campaign. The team will next face hosts Malaysia before taking on Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in the group stage.
Nepal are aiming to produce a strong performance in the tournament and compete for the title.
