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Nepal Ends Humiliating Streak In Top End T20 After Crushing Hobart By 66 Runs

Soumyajit Dutta

Nepal registers win after three straight losses [Source: @CricNep/X.com]Nepal registers win after three straight losses [Source: @CricNep/X.com]

Nepal finally ended their wait for a win in the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Darwin as they thrashed Hobart Hurricanes by 66 runs in the 18th match of the tournament on Tuesday. After three straight defeats, this victory came as a much-needed boost for Rohit Paudel’s side, keeping their pride alive though their semi-final chances are very slim. Here's how the match panned out at Cazalys Arena.

Nepal Posts Commanding Total

Batting first, Nepal posted a competitive 180/7 in 20 overs, with contributions across the top and middle order. Openers Kushal Bhurtel (27 off 20) and Aasif Sheikh (29 off 28) gave a solid start, adding 49 runs for the first wicket inside the powerplay. Although skipper Rohit Paudel (9) fell cheaply, Aarif Sheikh (33 off 26) anchored the innings well in the middle overs. 

The late flourish came from Lokesh Bahadur Bam, who smashed an unbeaten 25 off just 11 balls at a strike rate of over 227, ensuring Nepal finished on a strong note. Extras also played a big role, with Hurricanes conceding 31 runs through wides and no-balls.

For the Hurricanes, Nivethan Radhakrishnan (2/20) was the most economical bowler, while Rafael MacMillan and Marcus Bean proved costly despite picking up wickets.

Hurricanes Under Pressure From The Beginning

Chasing 181, the Hurricanes faltered against a disciplined Nepali bowling attack and were bundled out for 114 in just 16.1 overs. The innings got off to a disastrous start with opener Nivethan Radhakrishnan dismissed for a duck in the first over by Paudel. 

Despite a fighting 31 off 36 from Bradley Hope and a quickfire 28 off 21 from Charlie Wakim, the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Captain Zac Curtain remained unbeaten on 21 off 12, but the lack of partnerships hurt the Hurricanes.

Nandan Yadav's Spell Seals The Deal

The star of the evening was young pacer Nandan Yadav, who ran through the Hurricanes’ middle and lower order with sensational figures of 5/17 in 3 overs. His spell included four wickets in the space of just 15 deliveries, turning the match firmly in Nepal’s favour. 

Sandeep Lamichhane (1/25) and all-rounder Kushal Bhurtel (1/19) also chipped in, while Paudel made an early impact with a wicket-maiden in his only over. The Hurricanes folded for 114, handing Nepal a 66-run victory, their first of the tournament.