Papua New Guinea has set a target of 204 runs for Nepal in the ICC World League-2 triangular ODI series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Losing the toss, Papua New Guinea was invited to bat first and scored 203 runs while losing 9 wickets in the scheduled 50 overs.
Chad Soper, the middle-order batsman for Papua New Guinea, remained unbeaten on 36 off 53 balls with 2 fours. Norman Vanua scored 25 runs off 15 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes before getting out. Nepal’s fast bowler Sompal Kami took the first wicket by bowling out Papua New Guinea’s aggressive batsman Tony Ura for 2 runs in the first ball of the fifth over.
Kipling Doriga and Sesay Bau shared a 50-run partnership for the second wicket, but Doriga got caught out by Karan KC at mid-on off Gulshan Jha’s last ball of the 16th over. He hit 4 fours in 52 balls. Nepal’s Gulshan Jha bowled Sesay Bau for 31 runs in the second ball of the 24th over, giving Nepal their third success. Bau hit 3 fours while playing 55 balls.
Nepal’s debutant Pratish GC took his first international wicket by catching Hiri Hiri off Dipendrasingh Airi for 10 runs in the third ball of the 34th over. Spinner Kushal Malla took the last ball of the 37th over with an excellent catch from Kushal Bhurtel, and returned to the pavilion for 36 runs. Bhala hit 4 fours off 53 balls. Kushal Bhurtel also took an excellent catch with a long run-up, preventing Papua New Guinea from scoring a big total.
Kushal Malla returned to the pavilion by running out Riley Hekure for 7 runs in the last ball of the 44th over with an excellent direct throw from short leg.
Nepal’s Gulshan Jha took 3 wickets for 28 runs in 9 overs, and Kushal Malla took 2 wickets for 42 runs in 7 overs. Karan KC took 1 wicket for 30 runs with 2 maidens in 9 overs, while Sompal Kami took 1 wicket with 1 maiden in 6 overs for 17 runs. Pratish GC took 1 wicket after spending 37 runs in 6 overs.
Overall, Papua New Guinea managed to set a modest target of 204 runs for Nepal to chase. Nepal now has the opportunity to chase down the target and emerge victorious in the ICC World League-2 triangular ODI series.
