Nepal emerged victorious over the United States of America by 17 runs in the first T20 International of their three-match series at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This match, held on the night of October 17, 2024, showcased both teams’ skills, but it was Nepal’s solid all-round performance that ultimately sealed the victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Nepal was put to bat first after the USA won the toss, and they posted a competitive total of 164 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Rohit Paudel, the Nepalese captain, who played a pivotal role in their scoring. He top-scored with an impressive 49 runs off just 33 balls, featuring four boundaries and one six, displaying both aggression and calculated shot selection. Support came from Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh, who contributed 27 runs each. Dipendra Singh Airee also had a notable outing, scoring 28 runs off 17 balls, adding crucial runs towards the end of the innings.
The USA bowlers fought back at intervals, with Harmeet Singh being the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs. Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh also chipped in with important wickets, but Nepal’s depth in batting proved beneficial as they managed to set a challenging target.
Chasing 165 runs, the USA’s innings faltered early on, losing their openers within the first three overs. Monank Patel and Saiteja Mukkamalla could only manage 3 and 2 runs, respectively, leaving the team struggling at 8 for 2. Andries Gous provided some resistance with a score of 30 runs, but as wickets continued to tumble, the pressure mounted on the remaining batsmen.
The highlight of Nepal’s bowling attack was Dipendra Singh Airee, who not only contributed with the bat but also wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming 3 crucial wickets for 27 runs in his 3 overs. His performance, along with solid efforts from Rijan Dhakal and Karan KC, ensured the USA never settled into their innings. Despite Shayan Jahangir’s valiant effort, scoring an unbeaten 60 runs off 34 balls, the USA fell short, finishing at 147 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his vital role in Nepal’s victory. The match demonstrated the resilience of the Nepalese side and set the stage for an exciting continuation of the series. With this win, Nepal will look to build on their momentum, while the USA will need to regroup and strategize for the upcoming encounters.