Nepal lose maiden ODI after collapse

AMSTELVEEN, NETHERLANDS: An inspiring start couldn’t propel Nepal to a dream victory in their maiden ODI as they suffered a dramatic nine-wicket collapse for just 49 runs to lose by 55 runs to the Netherlands here on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 190 to win, Nepal, playing their first 50-over game since securing ODI status earlier this year, were bowled out for 134 in 41.5 overs. “We know we could have won the game. But in sports you can’t say ifs and buts. You have to go out and prove yourself. Next match, hopefully, we will put up a much better performance and come out with a win,” said Nepal captain Paras Khadka.

Nepal looked comfortable at 85-1 before they slipped quickly to 104-6. Opening batsman Gyanendra Malla hit 51 off 61 balls with eight fours and enjoyed a first-wicket stand of 58 with teenage wicket-keeper Anil Sah (21).

But once Khadka became the second wicket to fall and Malla was then dismissed by South African-born all-rounder Michael Rippon, Nepal’s challenge petered out.

For the Dutch, playing their first ODI in four years after losing ODI status, seamer Fred Klaassen took 3-30, leg-spinner Rippon finished with 3-23 while orthodox slow bowler and skipper Pieter Seelaar claimed a miserly 3-16.

Brief scores: Netherlands 189 in 47.4 overs (Rippon 51, Khadka 4-26, Kami 3-34) beat Nepal 134 in 41.5 overs (Malla 51, Seelar 3-20, Rippon 3-23, Klaassen 3-30) by 55 runs.