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Kathmandu — Nepal registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United States in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, courtesy of a spectacular unbeaten century by opener Kushal Bhurtel.

Chasing a modest target of 196 runs, Nepal comfortably crossed the finish line in just 36.4 overs at the TU Cricket Stadium, losing only one wicket along the way.

Bhurtel and Sheikh Set Up a Masterclass Chase

Nepal's chase was anchored by an exceptional opening partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. The duo completely dismantled the American bowling attack, putting on a massive 145-run stand for the first wicket.

The breakthrough for the USA finally came in the 26.3 overs when bowler Mohammad Mohsin dismissed Aasif Sheikh. Sheikh departed after scoring a fluent 58 off 72 balls, marking his 15th half-century in One Day International (ODI) cricket. With this feat, Sheikh solidifies his record as the player with the highest number of ODI half-centuries for Nepal.

Meanwhile, Bhurtel went on to play a career-best knock. Remaining unbeaten on 120 runs, he guided Nepal to an effortless win, surpassing his previous highest ODI score of 115 against Namibia. Bhurtel reached his century in style, smashing 12 fours and 3 sixes off 104 deliveries.

USA Collapse Despite Strong Start

Earlier in the day, the USA won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they were bundled out for a modest 195 runs in 43.3 overs, largely due to a brilliant bowling comeback by Nepal, led by Dipendra Singh Airee.

The USA suffered an early blow when opener Shayan Jahangir (6) was bowled by Sompal Kami in the seventh over with just 22 runs on the board.

Following the early dismissal, Smit Patel and Saiteja Mukkamalla revived the American innings with a stellar century partnership. Dipendra Singh Airee eventually broke the dangerous stand, dismissing Sehan Jayasuriya (50 off 52 balls), who was caught by Gulshan Jha.

Shortly after, American captain Monank Patel was clean-bowled by Sandeep Lamichhane for just 4 runs. At that point, the USA looked stable at 140/3, but Nepal mounted a phenomenal comeback, picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Opener Smit Patel, who survived a dropped catch by keeper Aasif Sheikh when he was on 14, capitalized on his lifeline to top-score for the visitors. He scored a gritty 83 off 89 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, before being dismissed by Sompal Kami. Following his exit, Shubham Ranjane was run out for 2, triggering a lower-order collapse as the USA collapsed from 170/5 to 195 all out.

Tournament Standings

With this result, Nepal secures its 9th win of the tournament. On the other hand, this marks the 8th defeat for the United States in their 26th match. Despite the loss, the USA remains in the second position on the League 2 table with 36 points.