Nepal started its campaign for ACC Under-17 Elite Cup with a convincing 104 run win over Qatar.

In the match played at the Pulchowk Engineering Ground, Nepal elected to bat first and posted a massive 208 runs with the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 40 overs.

Nepalese wicket keeper appealing for a LBW against Qatar in the Elite Cup Cricket tournament, Wednesday, Feb 04 09. Nepal won the match by 104 runs. nepalnews.com/NPA

Nepalese wicket keeper appealing for a LBW against Qatar in the Elite Cup Cricket
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Openers Kirten Gurung with 38 runs and Sagar Pun with 23 runs gave Nepal a formidable start.

Then skipper Prithu Baskota who made 38 runs together with Nischal Chaudhary’s 34 and Akash Singh Pariyar’s 22 runs helped Nepal post a healthy total.

Qatar never looked confident chasing the target of 209 runs and was bundled out for a mere 104 runs in 23.5 overs under some magnificent bowling from Nepal.

Nepali bowlers Krishna Karki and Bhuwan Karki spelled disaster for Qatari batsmen with their brilliant spell as they claimed three wickets each while Pradeep Airee took two wickets.

At one time Qatar skipper Samur Sajhad seemed to be the only person battling Nepal’s bowling might, top scoring with 72 runs off 84 balls while rest of his team mates were sent to the pavilion on regular intervals. Sajhad was later announced the man of the match for his defiant batting performance.

Nepal will play their next league match against Hong Kong on Saturday.

In other league matches, Hong Kong beat Singapore by seven wickets while Bahrain won the match against Kuwait by 125 runs at TU ground, Kirtipur.

Nepal is in group A along with Singapore, Hong Kong and Qatar. nepalnews.com Feb 05 09