Nepal Fall Three Runs Short Against Namibia Despite Karan KC’s Five-Wicket Haul

UTRECHT — Nepal came agonisingly close to completing a tense run chase but fell three runs short against Namibia in the 119th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd.

Chasing 212 for victory, Nepal finished on 208 for six from their 50 overs. Aarif Sheikh and Gulsan Jha fought until the final delivery, but Namibia held their nerve to secure a narrow victory.

Nepal had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl. Their decision appeared to have paid off when Namibia lost Michael van Lingen and Malan Kruger with only 37 runs on the board.

However, Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp rebuilt the innings with a crucial 131-run partnership. The pair batted patiently, absorbed the pressure created by Nepal’s bowlers and gradually put Namibia back in control.

Steenkamp scored 59 from 87 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six. Frylinck went on to complete a hard-earned century, making exactly 100 from 149 balls before being run out by Nepal captain Rohit Paudel in the 49th over.

Namibia eventually posted 211 for seven from their 50 overs.

Karan KC was the standout performer for Nepal, claiming five wickets for only 29 runs from his 10 overs. His spell included two maidens and helped prevent Namibia from producing a stronger finish. Sompal Kami took the other wicket.

Nepal began their chase steadily as Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh added 51 runs for the opening wicket. Bhurtel scored 34 from 47 deliveries before being dismissed by Jack Brassell.

Aasif anchored the early part of the chase but struggled to increase the scoring rate. He made 45 from 89 balls before Ruben Trumpelmann removed him, leaving Nepal at 104 for four.

The pressure increased when Dipendra Singh Airee was run out for three, reducing Nepal to 113 for five after 35 overs. With the required rate rising, captain Rohit Paudel and Aarif Sheikh brought Nepal back into the contest.

Rohit played positively for his 41 from 50 deliveries and shared a 65-run partnership with Aarif. But his dismissal in the 48th over left Nepal needing 34 runs from the final 16 balls.

Gulsan Jha then gave Nepal renewed hope with an unbeaten 19 from only 10 deliveries. He struck two fours and helped Nepal collect 13 runs from the final over, but the team could not find the boundary needed to cross the finishing line.

Aarif remained unbeaten on 38 from 49 balls as Nepal ended three runs behind Namibia’s total.

Brassell was Namibia’s leading wicket-taker with three for 46, while Trumpelmann claimed two wickets. Bernard Scholtz did not take a wicket but delivered a hugely influential spell, conceding only 14 runs from his 10 overs, including two maidens.

Frylinck was named Player of the Match for his century, which proved to be the difference in a closely fought contest.

Brief scores: Namibia 211/7 in 50 overs (Jan Frylinck 100, Louren Steenkamp 59; Karan KC 5/29) beat Nepal 208/6 in 50 overs (Aasif Sheikh 45, Rohit Paudel 41; Jack Brassell 3/46) by three runs.