Malaysia script history with title, Nepal’s dream shattered

The Runner-UP Nepali U-16 team posing with the Runner-Up trophy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Shreelochan Rajopadhyaya

Malaysia shattered Nepal’s dream of winning their maiden ACC U-16 Elite Cup title as Nepal slumped to their second final defeat on Sunday at the Kinrara Oval Ground of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nepal finished runner-up for the second consecutive times of the tournament after the hosts Malaysia routed Nepal by one wicket in the dramatic final of the tournament. With this victory over well-known opponent, Malaysia also avenged their group stage defeat at the hands of 2010 edition runner-up Nepal. On the other hand, Nepal failed to maintain their glorious history against Malaysia and tasted their first loss and failed to lift their only age group trophy left so far as well.Earlier, Nepal had routed Malaysia three times in a row in ACC U-19 finals to lift the prestigious U-19 titles. Electing to bat, Nepali star-studded batsmen failed to impress and were bowled out on minimal 117 runs in 33 overs. In reply, Malaysia achieved the target in 39.1 over and registered a spectacular triumph after continuous wobbles. Malaysia required four runs off last 12 balls to seal the victory. Nepali skipper Deependra Chand introduced Anup Neupane in the penultimate where he conceded three runs. 

The match- winner Virandeep Singh smashed the winning four for his side off the Kali Charan’s first ball of 40^th over and guided his side to a historic victory. The man of the match Virandeep played a heroic in Malaysian victory. Unbeaten Virandeep did not lose his cool and calm during his 54 runs off 119 balls that included seven fours.Malaysia did not get a good start as Akash Bista trapped Nalin de Silva (0) leg before wickets in the second over. Malaysia were going good with scoreboard reading 27-1 till lunch. Virandeep and Vinay Singha (22) added 46 runs for the second wicket. After the lunch break, Shashi Bhushan Mishra got rid of Vinay, while Deependra Chand sent Shavin Muniandy (1) to pavilion as run-out. Skipper Deependra claimed Thejas Rajah (2)   and brought some hopes for Nepal. Akash again broke the shackle trapping Ainool Yatim (0) leg before wicket that turned match in Nepal’s favor with 74-5 in thirty overs.


Nepali bowler dried up Malaysia run as they bowled three maidens in between 27^th to 30th over.  Malaysia fell in grave peril when Kali Charan Yadav snatched two wickets in two consecutive deliveries of the 33^rd over. Shankar Goonasagaran (6) was caught by Shashi, while Syahir Ramli (o) was fond leg before wicket. The match looked in control for visitors, when Malaysia were at 87 for 7 in 32.4 overs.  When Nepal were heading towards their maiden title, Shankar Satish played a handy cameo of 12 runs off 11 balls including two boundaries before being bowled out by Jagdish Chand in the thirty seventh over. The departure of Shankar turned match in favor of Nepal when Malaysia were far 10 runs. Amin Amanda (4) became the ninth wicket fall when he was run out by Jagdish and the score was left on 116-9 and that escorted the match in the final over.And, the match deciding four in the fine leg area by Virandeep in the first delivery of the last over, left Nepalese boys heartbroken and in tears. Akash Bista and Kali Charan Yadav snatched two wickets each, while Shashi Bhushan, Jagdish and Deependra had one scalp each. 

Photo: Shreelochan Rajopadhyaya

Later, Nurdhoj Sen was adjudged the best batsman of the tournament with his 184 runs from six matches. While his teammate Akash Bista was named the man of the match for his 15 wickets haul in the tournament.  Likewise, Pavandeep Singh of Malaysia was awarded with the best bowler award, while match winner of the final Virandeep Singh of Malaysia was declared the most promising player of the tournament.

Photo: Shreelochan Rajopadhyaya

Earlier, Nepali batsmen collapsed and failed to post a good total on the board. Openers Deependra (21) and Nurdhoj Sen (19) provided a solid start, but other batsmen lacked the consistency and Nepal kept losing their wickets in regular intervals. Aashif Sheikh (7) and Aadil Khan (4) left the crease shortly when the score was 55 for 3 in the 17^th over. The dependable Nurdhoj was trapped leg before wicket off Shankar’s straight deliver in the 18^th over that pushed Nepal on back foot with 63 for 4. Sent in to bat at no. five Anup Neupane could not open his account. Jagdish Chand (14), who had two half-centuries to his credit in the tournament, was stumped out. Shashi Bhushan contributed 14 runs off 17 balls before falling short to the crease. But, it was Akash who added crucial 35 runs and guided his side to a fightable total. Akash struck six boundaries during his 54 balls knock.

Unforgettable achievement: Victorious coach

Malaysia coach Bilal Asad was surprised with the victory. Speaking at the post-match conference, Asad said his side was not sure of winning the trophy. “Honestly speaking, we had no hope of lifting the trophy with this team. But my boys proved me wrong,” said coach, who had given his hope when the home side was losing wickets in quick succession. “I had digested defeat at the time when we were losing wickets. Nepali bowlers bowled well in the middle. Thanks to them for making the final as exciting one,” coach added, “ I thought that we were going to win easily but I want to salute them because they fought like warriors till the end.”    

Poor batting and unnecessary mistakes: Nepali coach

Nepali team coach Manjur Alam Khan was disappointed with team’s performance in the final after dominating oppositions throughout the tournament. According to him, players’ failure to perform with patience cost them the trophy. “Batsmen committed numerous mistakes. Our so-called star batsmen showed impatience,” coach blamed batsmen, “They committed the same mistakes again. Their short-selection was poor once again.” Nepal should have batted all 40 and posted 170 runs on the board to win the match, coach opined.