Nepal secures spot in Tri-Nations T20I series finals, defeats PNG by 85 runs

KATHMANDU: Nepal has clinched a berth in the finals of the ongoing Tri-Nations T20 International Series in Hong Kong after a convincing victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 85 runs.

In the latest match, PNG won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nepal, batting first, posted an imposing total of 198 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Nepal's opening pair, Kushal Bhurtel and Sandeep Zora, displayed exceptional batting skills, with each scoring a half-century. Bhurtel's impressive knock of 59 runs off 39 balls included four boundaries and three maximums, while Zora's quickfire 56 runs off 26 balls featured three fours and four sixes.

Binod Bhandari contributed 27 runs off 22 balls, while Lokesh Bam added a brisk 14 runs in just six deliveries. Bibek Yadav's explosive cameo saw him score 19 runs in four balls, while Gulsan Jha remained unbeaten with a valuable 15 runs off 12 balls.

Despite early dismissals of Rohit Poudel and Arif Sheikh, Nepal managed to set a challenging target.

In the second innings, Bhurtel showcased his bowling prowess, claiming four wickets, while Pratish GC took two wickets. Aakash Chand and Gulsan Jha also contributed with one wicket each.

Hiri Hiri and Sese Bau made noteworthy contributions for PNG, scoring 28 and 21 runs respectively. However, PNG was ultimately bowled out for 113 runs in 17 overs.

With this emphatic win, Nepal has secured a spot in the finals, demonstrating their dominance in the tournament.