Nepal’s lower order batters rescue hosts

Waseem and Mustafa’s star turns for UAE go in vain

Opener Mohammad Waseem’s half-century and all-rounder Rohan Mustafa’s stunning threewicket haul went in vain as Nepal staged a late rearguard response to edge out UAE in a low-scoring match in the second One Day International and level the three-match series 1-1 at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kathmandu yesterday.

Chasing an under-par target of 192 in 50 overs, Nepal ran into early trouble and were down 89/5 in the 25th over. UAE’s new pacer Hazrat Bilal got two early wickets while Mustafa had a hand in the other two, dismissing one and getting Gyanendra Malla run out.

With half the side back in the pavilion with over 100 runs to get, Nepal lower-order came to the hosts’ chase, led by Kushal Bhurtel (35), Aarif Sheikh (33 not out) and Gulshan Jha (37) to win with 13 balls to spare.

Electing to bat, UAE got off to an impressive start with Waseem playing in his typical aggressive fashion, completing his second career ODI 50 in just 46 balls with three fours and four sixes. But his wicket and the loss of vicecaptain Vriitya Aravind, skipper CP Rizwan pushed the UAE on the back foot.

For Nepal, Sompal Kami and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed three wickets each.