In the ICC World Cup League-2 triangular ODI series, Papua New Guinea set a target of 96 runs for Nepal after spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took five wickets, giving away only 25 runs, including 1 maiden in 10 overs. This was Sandeep’s third ODI career five-wicket haul, with his previous performances being against USA in 2020 and Papua New Guinea in 2021. Nepal’s left-arm spinner Lalit Narayan Rajwanshi also played a crucial role in the victory by taking 2 wickets in 7 overs with 1 maiden, while Kushal Malla took 2 wickets in 3 overs with 1 maiden for 6 runs. Sompal Kami also contributed by taking one wicket.
Papua New Guinea loose the toss and got the invitation to bat first at the TU Cricket Ground but were all out for just 95 runs in 32 overs. Lalit Narayan Rajwanshi bowled opener Kipling Doriga for two runs in the fourth ball of the fourth over, while Sandeep dismissed Hiri Hiri Sompal for 14 runs, Sesay Bau for 18 runs, Asad Bhala for 20 runs, and Hila Bhare for 7 runs. Kushal Malla caught Norman Bhanuwa for zero in the 27th over, and Lalit Narayan Rajvanshi cut and bowled out Riley Hekure for four runs. Chals Amini was caught out by Sandeep Lamichhane for 17 runs off 28 balls with 1 boundary.
Sandeep Lamichhane became the second Nepali bowler to take five wickets three times, following Karan KC. The continuous dot ball pressure played a significant role in putting the Papua New Guinea batsmen under pressure, leading to their eventual dismissal.
Overall, Nepal’s bowlers dominated the match, restricting Papua New Guinea to a low score. Now, the focus will be on whether Nepal can successfully chase down the modest target set for them.
