The strong
contender of the title Nepal remained unbeaten as they registered a
nerve-wrecking one wicket victory over the home side Malaysia in the ongoing
ACC U-16 Elite Cup on Wednesday. Nepal also continued their winning streak
against Malaysia. Nepal had not lost to Malaysia in any age group or senior
matches. With this stunning win, Nepal cruised into the semifinals of the tournament
as the group ‘B’ leader where they will meet another group ‘A’ runner up
Singapore before moving closer to their maiden title. Malaysia finishing
runner-up in group ‘B’ will take on group ‘A’ winner Oman in semifinals.
Akash Bista
(55) and Anup Neupane shouldered Nepal’s triumphant status and inspired side to
one of the most hard-fought victory in the tournament. Both batsmen scripted an
unbeaten 52 partnership for the last wicket upsetting Malaysia.
Winning the
toss, the hosts Malaysia elected to bat first and posted a moderate 139 after
losing all wickets in 37.1 overs in the last league match at the Kinrara Oval
ground. Following the modest target, Nepal upstaged their worst batting show of
the tournament and met the target just one ball to spare. The match between top
two table leaders saw Nepal starry batsmen lineup crawling to pavilion in
regular intervals. The visitors had lost their hope as the team were lagging
behind on 41-7. With the departure of middle-order batsman Rabin Gupta, Nepal
looked hapless and it became worst when Kali Charan Yadav left the pitch on
88-9. And, Malaysia needed one more scalp to register their historic success
over Nepal.
Malaysian
dressing room was overjoyed and waiting for the celebration, but Akash and Anup
spoiled their party. Debutant Anup did not look in touch but supported his
partner Akash who took charge during the far cry chase. Nepali pavilion had
their heart in their mouth as Akash and Anup escaped five run out chances. Both
batsmen hold their nerve and piled pressure on home team in the last five
overs. Akash struck a rocketing six in the long off area easing the pressure.
Nepal had to collect nine runs in last two overs.
Anup sealed
the victory for Nepal with a single in mid-wicket area. Man of the match Akash
faced 84 balls and stuck four fours and a six during his 103 minute stay at the
ground. Anup did not lose his calm and added an unhurried 11 runs off 44 balls.
“I can’t explain today’s victory in words. I just needed support from Anup and
he did it. I am pleased that I save team from our first defeat in the
tournament,” said Akash.
Sharvin
Muniandy’ excellent bowling performance with 4-23 figure demolished Nepal’s
innings. Nepal failed to put any impressive partnership as top order fell
shortly. Openers Deependra Chand (5) and Nurdhoj Sen (9) could add only 9 on
the board. Match winner against Iran, Aadil Khan (1) could not leave any magic
today. Likewise, Shashi Bhushan Mishra (5), Rabin Gupta (0) and Jagdish Chand
(0) left the team struggling on 41-7. Last three batsmen compiled 97 runs,
while top seven batsmen could manage only 26 runs.
Earlier,
deciding to bat first Malaysia failed to get solid start. Openers Virandeep Singh (26) and Nalin de Silva (4) shared 16 runs
stand. Nalin was run out by Akash Bista as Nepal’s first scalp. Ainoonl Yatim
was duck-out facing 14 balls. Amin Amanda remained the highest scorer for
Malaysia with run a ball 28 runs. Shankar
Goonasagaran and Sharvin Muniandy scored 12 runs each in Malaysian innings.
Malaysia lost their five wickets as run-outs, while Nepali fielders Shashi
Bhusha and Akash had two run-outs each. Half-centurion in Nepali innngs Akash
also claimed two wickets, while Kali Charan Yadav, Rupesh Bastola and Deependra
Chand took one wicket each. Nepali bowlers had given away 35 runs as
extras.
Match of six run-out
A whooping
21 wickets had fallen in today’s match where nothing could be predicted till
the penultimate delivery. In the thrilling match, batsmen lacked energy as they
kept on falling short of the crease. Malaysia lost their five wickets as
run-out. Running between the wickets was the main headache for both teams. The
match winner against Iran with quick-fire 54, Jagdish Chand also fell short
from the crease even after the lunch break.
Overconfident batting lineup
No one can
raise their eyebrows over Nepal’s sturdy batting lineup. And, they have got all
the logics, as Nepali batsmen have lived up to the expectation in all previous
matches. Overconfident Nepali batsmen joined the run-chase and looked hurried
to finish the modest target. But, things turn around and batsmen joined the
rally heading to the pavilion. Their short selection almost cost Nepal the
match. According to coach Manjur Alam Khan said that player’s over-confidence put
team in grave peril.
It was Nepal’s day: Malaysian coach Bilal
After forty
hours of drama, finally Nepal snatched victory from the jaws of defeat
upsetting home side. Last wicket partnership from Nepal crushed Malaysia, said
hosts coach Bilal Ashad. “The lady luck favored Nepal. We were close to the
victory, but ultimately it was not our day,” claimed coach. “The last
partnership sank our team. They are an experienced side and accustomed to play
under pressure,” coach added. He also
shared that Nepal are the strongest contender of the title. “They are going to
clinch the trophy this time. They are better and well-prepared this time,”
coach opined. Bilal also admitted that their running between the wickets was
the main reason behind the loss.
Proud of players: Khan
Nepali
dressing room was colored with mood of celebration. Nepal team coach Manjur
Alam Khan and manager Sanjeev Kumar Pandey had also joined the party after
having stressful time. The deadlock was broken with the single taken by Anup.
Coach credited his players for the stunning win. “They are fighters for me and
they have proved it today,” said coach adding, “I am so proud of my boys. They
snatched match from the palms of the opposition. Boys showed team spirit.” Khan
claimed that team would not repeat same mistakes in the semifinals. Team
manager Pandey thanked Pashupatinath for the result.
History on the side of Nepal: Roy Dias
The
architect behind the success of Nepali cricket, Roy Luke Dias was also present
at the Kinrara Oval, while Nepal and Malaysia were locking their horns. When
Nepal were struggling on 41-6, Dias who has always supported Nepal, changed his
thought and claimed that Malaysia were on the course of history-making. “Nepal
have never lost to Malaysia, but this time Nepal will taste defeat,” ex-Nepal
coach had predicted. However, when Nepal got rid of Malaysia in the penultimate
delivery, Dias was shocked. Congratulating the victorious side, Dias uttered
short but sweet words of admiration, “Nepal maintained their glorious
history.”
With Inputs from Shreelochan
Rajopadhyaya,
Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Comments
Post a Comment