Kathmandu: Nepal secured their first win in the Top End T20 Series, defeating the Hobart Hurricanes Academy (HHA) by a convincing 66 runs on Tuesday in Palmerston, Australia.

Taking a rare decision to bat first, Nepal posted a competitive total of 180-7, thanks to a well-rounded team effort with the bat. In the run chase, HHA were bowled out for 114 in 16.1 overs with Nandan Yadav taking a remarkable five-wicket haul.

The victory came after a tough start to the tournament, with Nepal suffering a 42-run defeat to Northern Territory Strike in the opener on Friday, followed by a 32-run loss to Bangladesh ‘A’ on Saturday and a 31-run defeat to Melbourne Stars Academy on Monday. Their next match is scheduled against the Melbourne Renegades Academy on Wednesday.

Solid Batting Performance

Middle-order batter Aarif Sheikh top-scored for Nepal with a steady 33 off 26 balls, including three boundaries. Openers Kushal Bhurtel (27 off 20) and Aasif Sheikh (29 off 28) provided a strong start adding 49 runs for the first wicket. Bhurtel struck four boundaries before falling in the sixth over while Aasif added two boundaries to his tally.

Nepali supporters in Australia. 

Batting at number 7, Lokesh Bam played a quickfire cameo, smashing an unbeaten 25 off just 11 balls, which included three fours and a six. Bhim Sharki contributed a run-a-ball 18, while skipper Rohit Paudel chipped in with 9 runs. Nepal also benefited from 31 extra runs. 

For HHA, Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Raf MacMillan claimed two wickets each while Marcus Bean, Gabe Bell and Bradley Hope took one apiece.

Dominant Bowling Display

During the run chase, HHA stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 24 runs. Opener Nivethan Radhakrishnan was bowled for a duck by Rohit on the second ball of the innings. Will Prestwidge (5) and captain Macalister Wright (3) also fell cheaply.

Bradley Hope provided some resistance with 31 off 36 balls and Charlie Wakim chipped in with 28 off 21. Zac Tim Ward added a quick 21 off 12 while Zac Curtain scored 13.

The standout performance came from Nandan Yadav, who was named player-of-the-match for his superb bowling figures of 5-17 in 3 overs. Rohit, Rijan Dhakal, Sandeep Lamichhane and Kushal Bhurtel also claimed a wicket each.