The spin and pace combination of Sunil Dhamala and Arif Sheikh provided Nepal a convincing nine-wicket start in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier at Kinrara Oval on Thursday.
USA secured a comprehensive win against Uganda in their opening game.
Off-spinner Dhamala returned outstanding figures of 10-1-15-5 and fast bowler Sheikh picked up three for seven in 8.2 overs as Papua New Guinea (PNG) was skittled out for a paltry 48 in 28.2 overs. This included a 25-run last wicket stand between Vagi Guba (13) and Lou Vagi Toua (11 not out).
In turn, Nepal romped to victory in 9.1 overs for the loss of one wicket with Dhamala contributing 24 not out.
In the other match of the day, United States of America (USA) defeated Uganda by six wickets at Selengor Club.
Batting first, Uganda was bowled out for 167 in 45.2 overs with Kenneth Waiswa top scoring with 38 not out and John Gabula chipping in with 37. For the USA, Gaurav Patanker bagged three for 23 and Gauranshu Sharma picked up two for 33.
Sagar Patel and Tohidul Islam put on 86 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket as USA achieved victory with 9.4 overs to spare. Patel finished undefeated on 66, which came off 114 deliveries and included four fours, while Islam’s 50 not out included two sixes and three fours from 55 balls.
The tournament winner will complete the 16-team line for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016, which will be staged in Bangladesh from 22 January to 14 February.
USA beat Uganda by six wickets at Royal Selengor Club
Uganda U19 – 167 all out, 45.2 overs (Kenneth Waiswa 38 not out, John Gabula 37; Gaurav Patanker 3-23, Gauranshu Sharma 2-33)
USA – 168-4, 40.2 overs (Sagar Patel 66 not out, Tohidul Islam 50 not out, Kushal Ganji 25;
Nepal beat PNG by nine wickets at Kinrara Oval
PNG 48 all out, 28.2 overs (Sunil Dhamala 10-1-15-5, Arif Sheikh 3-7)
Nepal 50-1, 9.1 overs (Sunil Dhamala 24 not out)
Friday’s fixture:
Papua New Guinea v Ireland (Kinrara Oval), Nepal v Uganda (Royal Selengor Club)