Jahangir’s Brilliant Hundred Guides USA Past Nepal
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 witnessed an exciting match between Nepal and the United States of America at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. In a nail-biting encounter, the U.S.A. emerged victorious by three wickets with just two balls to spare.
Winning the toss, the U.S.A. opted to field first, aiming to leverage their bowling strength and restrict Nepal to a manageable total. Nepal’s innings began on a positive note, with openers Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh setting a solid foundation. Sah scored a composed 56 off 62 balls, while Aasif Sheikh contributed a brisk 52 off 53 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the U.S.A.’s bowlers managed to make crucial breakthroughs at regular intervals.
The highlight of Nepal’s innings was captain Rohit Paudel’s magnificent 96 off 75 balls. Paudel’s innings was a blend of aggression and finesse, featuring eight fours and three sixes, which propelled Nepal to a competitive total. However, the U.S.A. bowlers, particularly Nosthush Kenjige, who claimed four wickets for 52 runs, kept the scoring in check. Key contributions also came from Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh, each taking two and one wicket respectively, as Nepal finished their innings at 286 all out in their allotted 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 287, the U.S.A. faced an early setback when opener Andries Gous was dismissed for just one run by Sompal Kami. However, Shayan Jahangir anchored the innings with a brilliant century. Jahangir’s 104 off 97 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, provided the stability and impetus the U.S.A. needed. His partnership with captain Monank Patel, who scored 62 off 76 balls, was instrumental in steadying the ship after the early loss.
Nepal’s bowlers, led by Kushal Bhurtel, who took four wickets for 23 runs, fought valiantly to defend their total. Bhurtel’s efforts were complemented by Kami’s two wickets and Lalit Rajbanshi’s economical spell, which yielded one wicket for 29 runs in eight overs. Despite their best efforts, the middle-order contributions from Harmeet Singh (57 off 44 balls) and a crucial unbeaten 29 from Shadley van Schalkwyk ensured the U.S.A. remained in the hunt.
As the match approached its climax, the tension was palpable. The U.S.A. required 19 runs off the last three overs, and it was Harmeet Singh’s aggressive batting that brought them within striking distance. Though Singh was dismissed in the 48th over, van Schalkwyk and Jasdeep Singh held their nerves. Jasdeep Singh’s quickfire 11 off 6 balls, including a six, brought the equation down to six runs off the final over.
With two balls remaining, the U.S.A. clinched victory, ending their innings at 291 for seven in 49.4 overs. Shayan Jahangir’s outstanding century earned him the Player of the Match award, and his performance was pivotal in securing the win for the U.S.A.
