Nepal clinch historic clean sweep against US in T20I series

Kathmandu / Oct. 21: Nepal secured a historic clean sweep against the United States of America in the three-match T20I series in Dallas on Monday, winning all three matches.

In the final match, Nepal defeated the USA by eight wickets, successfully chasing a target of 156 runs in 18.4 overs with only two wickets down.

Batting first after winning the toss, the USA set a target of 156 for the loss of five wickets.

After losing their first wicket with just seven runs on the board, opener Saiteja Mukamal top-scored for the USA with 68 runs, anchoring their innings. He faced 51 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, before being bowled by Sompal Kami.

Opener and captain Monank Patel was dismissed LBW to Sompal for two runs. Similarly, Andres Gous was dismissed by Rijan Dhakal for just two. Shortly after, Aaron Jones was sent back to the pavilion by Lalit Rajbanshi after scoring 13 runs.

Sayan Jahangir managed nine runs before falling to Sompal, while Milind Kumar contributed a useful 43 runs towards the end for the USA. He faced 35 balls and hit four boundaries.

For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla shared a crucial 74-run partnership for the third wicket. Bhurtel scored 40 runs, while Malla added 44.

Asif Sheikh was the star of the match, blasting 50 runs off 39 balls before being dismissed by Jasdeep Singh. His innings included five fours and two sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Nepal had an opening stand of 33 runs, with Anil Sah contributing 13 runs from 11 balls before being trapped LBW by Jasdeep.

Sompal Kami, who took three wickets in the match, was named Player of the Series. Rijan Dhakal and Lalit Rajbanshi each claimed one wicket in the final game.

Nepal had already secured the series by winning the first two matches.