ACC U-19: Nepal clinch historic 19-run victory over India

Mausam Shah Nepali / Kathmandu: Nepal put on a scintillating display of both batting and bowling to stun the tournament favorites India with 19-run victory during the ACC U-19 Asia Cup held at the Bayuemas Oval in Pandamaran, Klang, Malaysia on Sunday.

With today’s victory, defeating test playing nation India in any category, Nepal kept its hope alive of advancing into the semi-final of the tournament.

Nepal, coached by former bowler and captain Binod Das, successfully defended their 188 runs, by bowling out India, coached by former captain Rahul Dravid, for 166 runs in 49 overs of their allotted 50 overs, to emerge with 19 runs victory, in the crucial encounter.

Nepali skipper Dipendra Singh Airee played a captains knocks of 88 runs in just over 100 deliveries with six hit to the fence and a towering six over a cow corner before returning with the ball to torment Indian’s innings with four scalps.

Man-of-the-match, Airee’s defiance with the bat and ball, single-handedly propelled Nepal to victory over the Indian.

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Himanshu Rana invitation for Nepal to take the first strike paid the dividend as Nepal were reduced to 28-2 within 12 overs of play.

Nepal’s opening batsman Jitendra Singh Thakuri and skipper Dipendra Singh Airee steadied the ship as they combined for 49 runs partnership for the third wicket.

However, Thakuri perished for 36 runs after trying to up-the-ante caught and bowled by Abhiskhek Sharma in the 28th over. (The Himalayan Times)