World Cricket League Div. 4
Nepal continued its impressive form at the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL Div. 4) tournament in Malaysia today, the second day of the tournament in Kuala Lumpur, after Paras Khadka’s side beat Tanzania by eight wickets in a low-scoring match.
Steven Taylor struck 30. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
Meanwhile, Singapore beat host Malaysia in a rain-affected match thanks to Christopher Janik’s brilliant hundred, while Denmark got the better of USA in the other match of the day.
The game affected by rain between Denmark and USA at Selangor Turf Club. Denmark after being asked to bat first, posted 244 for nine in its 50 overs.
Denmark captain Michael Pedersen (59: 68b, 4×4, 1×6) and Andreas Lambert (51: 60b, 8×4) were the top-scorers for their side, with USA’s Abhimanyu Rajp the best bowler on view with a spell of three for 60.
USA started briskly in its chase, rattling up 40 in 4.5 overs. But once the opening pair of Steven Taylor and Sushil Nadkarni were separated, wickets fell at regular intervals.
USA reached 86 for five in 23.4 overs when play was halted by rain. The Americans needed to be at 143 at the same stage as per the Duckworth-Lewis calculation, hence Denmark were declared winner by 56 runs.
Man of the Match Pedersen said: “I am very pleased with the win and my own performance as well. The top order batsmen laid down a good foundation and that helps the middle order batsmen to out there and get more runs for the side. It was a good team performance and the team deserved the win today.”
A disappointed USA captain, Steve Massiah said: “It was disappointing to lose the match this way. We gave away too many easy runs and hopefully moving forward for the rest of the matches we can improve on the bowling side. Although we lost today, I am pleased with Steven Taylor’s batting performance and hopefully he can continue to pile the runs for the team.”
At Bayuemas Oval, Nepal captain Paras Khadka led his side to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Tanzania. Khadka’s spell of four for 24 and Basanta Regmi’s haul of three for 14 helped Nepal bowl out Tanzania for a meagre 82 runs.
In its chase, Nepal took just 19.4 overs to reach the required target and end the game on 83 for two and win by eight wickets.
Host Malaysia went down by 112 runs in a rain-affected game via the Duckworth-Lewis method to rivals Singapore at the Kinrara Academy Oval. Singapore’s Christopher Janik scored 106 off 144 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes, while veteran batsman Munish Arora backed Janik with a 103-ball 74 (9×4) as Singapore ended its 50 overs at 230 for nine.
In its reply Malaysia lost wickets at regular intervals. The host was struggling at 91 for eight in 29 overs when play was halted by rain and ultimately no further play was possible. Singapore were declared winner as Malaysia needed to be 204 after 29 overs as per the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Scores in Brief
At Selangor Turf Club
Denmark 244 for nine, 50 overs (Michael Pedersen 59, Andreas Lambert 51, Freddie Klokker 39; Abhimanyu Rajp 3-60)
USA 86 for five, 23.4 overs (Steven Taylor 30; Bashir Shah 3-11, Aftab Ahmed 2-20)
Denmark won by 56 runs (D/L method)
Player of the Match: Michael Pedersen (Denmark)
At Bayuemas Oval
Tanzania 82 all out, 31.4 overs (Issa Kikasi 33; Paras Khadkar 4-24, Basanta Regmi 3-14)
Nepal 83 for two, 19.4 overs (Gyanendra Malla 28 not out, Subash Khakurel 20)
Nepal won by eight wickets
Player of the Match: Paras Khadka (Nepal)
At Kinrara Academy Oval
Singapore 230 for nine, 50 overs (Christopher Janik 106, Munish Arora 74; Hiran Ralage 4-50, Suresh Navaratnam 3-47)
Malaysia 91 for eight, 29 overs (Khizar Hayat 31 not out; Pramodh Raja 3-13, Amjad Mahboob 2-13, Dharmichand Mulewa 2-32)
Singapore won by 112 runs (D/L method)
Player of the Match: Christopher Janik (Singapore)
