A fierce bowling spells by Nepalese bowlers saw them to post an exciting nine runs win over Afghanistan in their third and last group A qualifying round match of the ICC World Cup T20 held on Thursday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Chasing Nepal’s 141 runs, Afghanistan found the chasse very stiff and restricted at 132 for 8 from their allotted 20 overs.
Middle order batsman Asghar Stanikzai, however, offered some resistance with a fighting 49 runs off 36 balls smacking four boundaries and one over boundary while Shafiqullah added 36 runs off 32 balls hitting three boundaries and one over boundary, after Afghanistan faced early batting jolt losing wickets in regular intervals in the face of tight bowling attacks by Nepal.
Jitendra Mukhiya was the pick of Nepalese bowler taking three wickets for 18 runs. He was well supported by Shakti Gauchan and Sompal Kami, who both claimed two wickets conceding 25 and 32 runs respectively.
Earlier, Nepal scored a healthy total of 141 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs, after were forced to field first by Afghanistan.
Opener Subash Khakurel scored an impressive half-century scoring 56 runs off 53 balls hitting six boundaries and one over boundary while Sharad Vesawkar added 38 runs off 32 balls with the help of five boundaries.
Shapoor Zadran was the pick of Afghanistan bowler taking two wickets for 19 runs.
It was the second victory for the Nepal in the ongoing tournament after a magnificent 80 runs victory over Hong Kong in their opening group match.
However, Nepal were beaten by host Bangladesh by eight wickets in their second match.
