Nepal storm into semifinals with hat-trick win

Nepal stuck on their winning string as they completed their third consecutive victory in the ongoing ACC U-16 Elite Cup 2012 being held in Malaysia   after hammering Iran by massive 167 runs.

Opting to bat first at the Bayuemas Oval Ground of Malaysia, Nepal posted a formidable total of 246 after losing their eight wickets playing all allotted 4o overs. In reply, Iranian batsmen surrendered to Nepalese sharp bowling attack as they were slumped on mere 79 runs after losing their surrender nine wickets in 28 overs, while one Iranian batsman Zobeir Afarin was retired hurt. Match referee A.Muniandy had declared Nepal as the winner after inspecting Afarin’s condition. Nepal put on the record total against Iran in the history of ACC U-16 Elite Cup.      

Nepal snatched six points from three straight victories and displaced Malaysia from the top spot of the table. The hosts Malaysia have also managed six points, but fell behind to Nepal in net run-rate calculation.

Batting first Nepal did not get expected start, as Nepal lost their both openers cheaply in quick succession. Dependable skipper Deependra Chand (12) and Nurdhoj Sen (15) shared a 25-runs first wicket partnership. Nepal had lost their both openers when the score board was reading 30-2. Nevertheless, left-hander Aadil Khan and Aashif Seikh laid foundation for Nepal with their 114 runs third wickets stand. Aadil clobbered 71 runs, while Aashif contributed 37 to guide Nepal to a safe 144-3 in 27 overs. Aadil struck six boundaries, while his calm mate Aashif hit three during their innings. This was the second a hundred-runs partnership between Nepali batsmen, following 138 runs stand shared between Deependra and Nurdhoj came against Bahrain. Aadil completed his half-century in 22.2 overs, while take score across 100 run in 21^st over. 

          

In touch Aashif gave away his wicket in 26^th over, when he was run out by Wahab Khursand. After the departure of well-set Aashif, Aadil found a partner in Jagdish Chand and scripted another 72 runs partnership to steer Nepal on 216-4. Jagdish smashed a brisk 51 off 27 deliveries including four fours and as many lofty sixes before falling victim to Javed Tarkham. Jagdish utilized only 25 balls to reach the fastest half century from Nepal in U-16 history.     

Nepal’s fiery innings turned tardy after losing two wickets in two successive deliveries of Javed in the 35^th over. Nepal lost their remaining four wickets for 22 runs as they were restricted on 246-8. Other batsmen Rupesh Bastola (6) and Akash Bista (2) could not add much to the total. Likewise, Mukunda Yadav and Kali Charan Yadav contributed 9 runs each in Nepal’s total.

Following the target, Iran never looked aspiring to meet the target as they failed to combat Nepal’s bowling attack led by Kali Charan Yadav and Akash Bista. Kali Charan and Akash both snatched four wickets each that dented Iran’s chase, though, they made a good start.

Openers Aslam Javan (21) and skipper Ali Rahdar (5) gave a flying start of 23 runs. Kali Charan produced first breakthrough for Nepal when he trapped Ali before the wicket. Then, Aslam and Seraj Gorgij (2) added another 10 runs for the second wicket. Kali Charan had his second scalp when he rattled Seraj’ stumps. No other batsmen could do much for Iran, as they kept losing wickets regularly.           

Later, Akash demolished Iran’s middle-order and tail-enders and the team struggled on 71-6 and suffered a humiliating 167 runs crush at the hands of 2010 edition runner up side Nepal. Kali Charan gave away 12 runs and 20 runs respectively for their four wickets haul. Aadil was adjudged man of the match for his blistering knock.  

Long inning was not plan: Aadil

Nepal’s journey in the ongoing tournament has seen a new cameo in every match. And, it was Aadil’s turn against Iran, who had not done much in previous matches. The man of the moment Aadil told to TNP that he had not even thought of completing his maiden half-century against Iran. His knock came at the right time when his place in the playing XI looked in danger. But, today’s shining show has enlisted him in team’s star category. Aadil did not let his team down after early departure of Deependra and Nurdhoj. Aadil took time to settle and then kept scorers busy. “I had not played well in last two matches.So, I was under pressure. But, now I am happy that I delivered in time the team needed. And, it was the knock, I had not even imagined,” said Aadil, who also became the second leading run scorer in the tournament. “I started my innings with rotating strikes and I got great support from Aashif that helped my big score,” Aadil added. According to him, he did not go for long shots as instructed by dressing room. “I did not want to repeat my mistakes. So, I did not hit many boundaries,” said Aadil, who also got cramp in his muscles and missed his job behind the wicket for first 10 overs of Iranian innings. “I have cramps in my thigh muscles, but I am hopeful of playing against Malaysia.”                  

Power game is my passion

Jagdish Chand quick fired against Iran that he would definitely remember in days to come. It was Jagdish, who scaled Nepal’s total. Jagdish was impressive hitting Iranian seamers all around the ground. He hammered Zobeir Afarin for two sixes and one four in his seventh over.  

Afshin Tiredast was another scalp for Jagdish as he rocketed another straight six in his sixth over. Talking on his unforgettable innings, Jagdish said, “I played freely as I was told to do. I was assigned to mount the run-rate that was lagging behind.”  Similar to another half-centurion Aadil, Jagdish had no idea of completing the feat. “I did not step in for fifty run mark. I only realized after completing it,” recalled Jagdish, who had appeared in the first edition of the tournament held in Kathmandu. “I have compensated myself as I could not contribute greatly in the first edition. My previous experience helped me to play confidently today,” said Jagdish adding, “I am happy for being a part of Nepal’s convincing win.”

            

Team confident after triumph

Nepal cricket team coach Manjur Alam Khan said that three wins in a row had boosted team’s confidence and they will have no fear against Malaysia. “These three consecutive victories have worked as morale boosters for boys. They are mentally and physically strong to face Malaysia,” shared Coach, who had predicted team’s total across 200 runs one day before the match against Iran.

“We played as per our plan on paper. We have topped the point table and now we don’t have anything to lose,” added coach. However, beating home team Malaysia will be team’s goal, informed coach, who was not yet satisfied with team’s fielding performance.        

Iranian coach hails Nepal

After conceding a humiliating defeat at the hand of Nepal, Iran coach Mahmud Rashid was upset. Failing to maintain pressure on Nepal cost Iran match, he told to TNP. “We did not train well for the tournament. We did not get much tme for preparation. Team had light net session before flying to Malaysia,” claimed coach. “My boys do not have experience in such games, while Nepal is a tough opposition to play with,” coach added. Rashid hailed Nepal and tagged them as the winner of the tournament. “Nepal is an international team. They have good players. And, undoubtedly they are the side, who deserve the trophy. They are the strong contender of the title.” According to Rashid, Aadil and Aashif took game away from them. “They played well and changed the face of the game. Their short selection was praiseworthy,” Rashid opined.          

No supporters for Nepal

Though, the tournament is being held in Kuala Lumpur where Asian Cricket Council headquarter resides, it does not offer any charm of cricket. We cannot see any spectators cheering for any teams. The city is full of Nepalese workers who come for jobs, but no one has come to join in team’s celebration. Officials are only the spectators enjoying the match.

With inputs from Shreelochan Rajopadhyaya
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia