Despite facing a loss, it was a celebration of sorts for Nepal on Tuesday as their fans had a ball at the Prairie Cricket Ground. The Netherlands secured an easy victory, winning the match by six wickets. However, it was the Nepal cricket fans who truly stole the show. They came in full force to support their team and remained upbeat and celebratory even after the loss. The Nepal cricket team brought a refreshing and welcoming presence to the ground, and social media is now flooded with pictures capturing the vibrant spirit of Nepali supporters.
Max O’Dowd was the star performer for the Netherlands, scoring an unbeaten 54 runs from 48 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. His impressive strike rate of 112.50 was instrumental in helping the Dutch side chase down the target. Vikramjit Singh contributed significantly as well, scoring 22 runs from 28 balls with 4 fours. His partnership with O’Dowd was crucial in securing the win for the Netherlands.
Even though Nepal lost, their bowling performance in the second inning was commendable. Despite setting a low-scoring target of 109 runs, Rohit Paudel’s side made it challenging for the Dutch to accumulate runs. However, the inability to take early wickets ultimately cost them the match. Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Abinash Bohara each managed to take a wicket in their respective spells, showcasing their skill and determination.
In the first inning, after winning the toss, the Netherlands opted to field first, a decision that worked in their favor as they successfully dismantled Nepal’s batting lineup. Nepal’s openers, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, struggled, scoring 7 and 4 runs respectively. The Dutch bowlers dominated early on, with Tim Pringle making the first breakthrough by removing Aasif Sheikh.
Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, was the standout batter, scoring 35 runs from 37 balls with 5 fours. Despite his efforts, the rest of the team could not build significant partnerships, leading to a low total.
The day ended in a win for the Netherlands, but the Nepal cricket fans left a lasting impression with their joyous and spirited support. The enthusiasm and passion they brought to the game were a testament to their love for cricket and their team.
