History has been created at the ongoing ACC U-19 Asia Cup, as Nepal U-19 delivered the biggest shock ever in a multi-nation tournament by defeating India U-19 in a crucial group game to stay alive and in contention for semi-finals of the tournament.
Nepal batted first and managed to post 185/8 in their 50 overs with Dipendra Singh Airee (88 off 101) standing between Indian bowlers and his side’s chances. Opener Jitendra Singh (36 off 95) also stood firm to make a 49 runs partnership for the 3rd wicket. The rest of the batting line-up could not stay longer with their captain as wickets kept falling at the other end.
Abhishek Sharma (2/38), Aditya Thakare (2/33) and Shiva Singh (1/27) returned good figures with the ball for India U-19.
Dipendra took over the reins with the ball as well as he wrecked the Indian batting line-up with a spell of 4/39 off his 10 overs. Pawan Sarraf (2/24), Shahab Alam (2/11) and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/30) provided the best possible support to Dipendra to keep the wickets tumbling at regular intervals.
All seemed good for India U-19 as their openers, Himanshu Rana (46 off 38) and Manjot Kalra (35 off 69) put together 65 runs for the 1st wicket and thereafter, India were still well placed at 91/1 when the match started to turn on its head. Abhishek Sharma (27 off 42) gave some jitters in towards the end but when he fell at the team score of 154, the rest of the tailenders could not take their team home as they got bowled out for 166 in 48.1 overs to lose the contest by 19 runs.
Nepal U-19 historic moment has not only kept them alive in the tournament but also has proven that the talent in the country is immense and what proper management can do for the nation if they had a stable cricket board.
For now, Nepal U-19 players will celebrate till whatever time period they want to for creating the biggest upset against a powerhouse Test nation.
Nepal National captain Paras Khadka congratulated the team’s achievements over his twitter account @Paras77
Nepal u-19 beats India U-19 …
Amazing performance from the lads..
It does not get any better than this…
Wow….lost for words…!!!!!
Jai Nepal..— Paras Khadka (@paras77) November 12, 2017
