Kathmandu, Apr. 8: Nepali senior men’s cricket squad has lifted the SMS Friendship Cup by defeating Gujarat in the final match of the T20 tri- series tournament played in Sai Meghpan Sporrtslife Cricket Ground, Vapi on Sunday.

Nepal defeated the host Gujarat by 18 runs as the travelling side defended the target of 177 runs in the tri-series played between Nepal, Gujarat and Baroda.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Nepal posted a decent total of 176 runs in the loss of four wickets. Skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel was the highest-scorer for the team in the final.

After Kushal Bhurtel (19 off 21) departed, Rohit started partnering with the other opener Aasif Sheikh. 

Preventing wickets and playing safe shots, the duo played a decent inning. However, Aasif (34 off 34) departed after getting struck leg-before and Kushal Malla entered the crease.

Nevertheless, Rohit followed Aasif after he tried changing the gears after crossing the 70-run mark. Rohit (74 off 47) was caught by bowler Tejas Patel while trying to hit a straight boundary.

Meanwhile, it was Kushal Malla’s not-out inning of 31 off 13 that helped Nepal reach 176 runs by the end of 20 overs. Jaymeet Patel, Shen Patel, Tejas Patel and Zala Yuvrajsinh bagged one wicket each for Gujarat.

Target defended

Nepal had included the main three pacers – Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Abinash Bohara – in the first two matches of the tournament. The players were changed in the other two matches by giving a chance to Pratish GC.

However, the main squad returned to the field in the final as Nepal did not want to lose after suffering a defeat against Baroda on April 6.

Abinash took three wickets while Dipendra Singh Airee took two wickets. Similarly, Karan KC and Kushal Malla bagged one wicket each to bundle out Gujarat at 119 runs in 18.5 overs.

Gujarat’s skipper Umang Rohit Kumar (40 off 28) was the highest-scorer for the team followed by Aarya Desai (36 off 24) and Harsh Desai (15 off 7).

It was only after Umang departed that Nepal bounced back into the match. 

‘Good preparation’

Gulshan Kumar Jha was awarded as the Player of the Tournament while Rohit and Dipendra bagged individual best awards in the final match. According to Rohit, the tournament was a good chance for the team. “We are heading to Oman for the ACC Men’s Premier Cup from India and the current tournament was a great preparation for us. The two teams were great oppositions,” he added.

Likewise, Nepal’s coach Monty Desai expressed gratitude towards the Sai Meghpan Sporrtslife, Gujarat Cricket Association and Baroda Cricket Association among others for the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Cricket Association of Nepal appointed Former Barbadian fast bowler Roderick O. Estwick a bowling consultant  of Nepal Men’s senior side on Sunday.