April 13, Kathmandu – Despite a career-best knock from Basir Ahmed, Nepal narrowly missed out on clinching the title at the Hong Kong T20I Series, suffering a heartbreaking 3-run defeat to Kuwait in the final held at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok on Sunday.
Match Summary
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Kuwait Innings:
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Kuwait posted a competitive total of 174/7 in 20 overs.-
Rajeeva Sandaruwan led the charge with a blistering 63 runs off 36 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes).
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Clinto Anto contributed 26 runs off 14 balls, and Usman Patel added 23 from 15 deliveries.
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Nepal’s bowlers staged a commendable comeback after a rough start, with Sompal Kami (2/26) and Nandan Yadav (2/34) picking up key wickets.
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Karan KC and Kushal Bhurtel also took one wicket each.
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Nepal’s Chase:
Chasing a target of 175, Nepal fell just short, getting bowled out for 171 runs in 19.3 overs.-
Basir Ahmed played a sensational knock, scoring 80 runs off 43 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes.
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He formed a record-breaking 74-run ninth-wicket partnership with Nandan Yadav, who contributed a rapid 37 off just 14 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes).
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Despite their heroics, Nepal’s top and middle-order collapsed, with no other batsmen reaching double digits except opener Aasif Sheikh, who made 21 runs.
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Thrilling Final Over Drama
With 11 runs needed in the final over, Kuwait’s Anudhin Chinthamaran bowled a no-ball on the first delivery, which Basir smashed for a six. Needing just 4 runs from 6 balls, the momentum was in Nepal’s favor, but two dot balls followed. Basir was then caught on the third legal delivery, crushing Nepal’s hopes of a title win.
Kuwait’s Bowling Standouts:
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Anudip claimed 3 wickets, playing a crucial role in the final over.
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Yasin Patel and Nabinraj Rajendran picked up 2 wickets each.
Historical Notes:
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Kuwait’s 71/1 during the powerplay is the highest powerplay score Nepal has ever conceded in a T20I, surpassing India’s 63 in the 19th Asian Games.
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Though Nepal made a strong comeback in both bowling and batting, the lack of finishing cost them the title.