Kathmandu: Nepal’s campaign in the Top End Twenty20 Series came to an end on Friday as they suffered a narrow one-run defeat to Pakistan Shaheens in their final group-stage match at Marrara Cricket Ground No. 2 in Darwin, Australia.

Opting to bat first, the Shaheens posted a modest total of 144-9, recovering from early setbacks and instability. In response, Nepal came agonisingly close, finishing at 143-7. The match ended dramatically with Dipendra Singh Airee being run out on the final ball, when Nepal required two runs to tie and four for a win.

With the defeat, Nepal concluded their group stage with two wins and four losses collecting four points in total and falling short of a semifinal berth.

Nepal had kept their hopes alive earlier in the week with back-to-back victories—first a convincing 66-run win over Hobart Hurricanes Academy on Tuesday, followed by a 33-run triumph against Melbourne Renegades Academy on Wednesday. However, a string of defeats had preceded those wins including a 42-run loss to Northern Territory Strike in the opener last Friday, a 32-run defeat to Bangladesh ‘A’ on Saturday, and a 31-run setback against Melbourne Stars Academy on Monday.

Close but not enough

Chasing what seemed to be a manageable target of 145, Nepal made a cautious start. A half-century from skipper Rohit Paudel and a blistering 41 off just 21 balls from Dipendra Singh Airee kept Nepal in hunt until the last ball. After the early dismissal of opener Kushal Bhurtel (4), Aasif Sheikh and Rohit steadied the innings with a 52-run partnership for the second wicket.

Aasif was dismissed for 27 off 30 balls leaving Nepal at 58-2 in 11.4 overs. Rohit anchored the innings with a composed 52 off 44 balls, striking six boundaries. Dipendra kept Nepal in the hunt with his aggressive knock which included two fours and a six. Lokesh Bam chipped in with 10 runs but the lower order couldn’t finish the job. Kushal Malla (2) was dismissed in the third delivery of the last over. 

For the Shaheens, Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Akram claimed two wickets apiece, playing a pivotal role in defending the low total.

Nepali supporters.  

Shaheens rally after early setback

Earlier, all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee provided Nepal with a perfect start, removing opener Maaz Madaqat (1), caught by Rohit, and bowling Mohammad Faiq (2) in the second over with 4 runs on board.

Yasir Khan (18 off 21) and Abdul Samad (26 off 25) added a 42-run stand for the third wicket, but regular breakthroughs kept Nepal in control. It was captain Irfan Khan who turned the tide for the Shaheens, guiding his team to a competitive total with an unbeaten knock of 42 off 26 balls, peppered with three boundaries and a six. Mohammad Wasim contributed 23 off 22 while Mehran Mumtaz added 10 runs.

Medium pacer Sompal Kami led Nepal’s bowling attack returning with figures of 3-30 from his four overs. Dipendra and Nandan Yadav bagged two wickets each.

Nepal competed in the tournament as part of preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier to be held in Oman from October 8.