KATHMANDU, JUN 26 - Nepal have begun their week-long tour of England with a 14-run defeat to Middlesex at the Radlett Cricket Club in London on Thursday.
Middlesex, who were fielding their second XI, piled up a challenging 164-4 in 20 overs after Irish Andy Balbirnie smashed Nepali bowlers with some brutal hitting. Nepal had three ducks in their innings – including that of skipper Paras Khadka – as the visitors reached 150-7. Left arm spinner Ravi Patel put brakes destroyed a strong Nepali middle order returning with 3-27 from four overs.
Nepal lost Sagar Pun (duck) in the first over before Subash Khakurel and Gyanendra Malla pulled them back in the match with a 69 run partnership. Malla was the biggest contributor in the stand making 41 off 30 with six boundaries before falling to Patel who also removed Khadka one ball later.
Khakurel went on to share another 53 runs with Sharad Vesawkar but the latter’s dismissal halted Nepal progress. Vesawkar made 32 off 23 with five boundaries. New Pradeep Airee was next to go, run out for a duck as Nepal struggled at the finishing overs. Khakurel soon departed after making 46 off 56 with five boundaries. Rajesh Pulami made 17 not out off eight balls with two fours.
Earlier, Sompal Kami dismissed Cameroon Steel (15) early but Balbirnie gave Nepali bowlers a day to forget. He pushed Middlesex towards a huge total sharing 109 runs for the second wicket with Ryan Higgins. Balbirnie made 72 off 45 with nine fours and a six before running himself out in the 17th over. Higgins chipped in 38 off 42 with three boundaries. Jitendra Mukhiya picked up 2-34 from four overs.
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