Biratchowk, India – Nepal’s national cricket team has secured a thrilling place in the finals of the SMS Friendship Cup T20 Tri-Series in India. The team powered through with a hard-fought eight-run victory over the Gujarat Cricket Association, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament.
Nepal’s strong performance began with a dominant batting display at the Sai Meghpan Sporrtslife Ground. Invited to bat first, they amassed an impressive 181/7 in their 20 overs. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh set the tone with a robust 125-run partnership. Bhurtel departed after a well-played 66 runs off 44 balls. Captain Rohit Paudel’s dismissal was a minor setback, but Sheikh soldiered on, ultimately scoring a crucial 85 runs off 51 balls, including ten fours and five powerful sixes.
Gujarat’s bowlers fought back, with Jaymeet Patel taking three wickets while Arya Desai and Dhrushant Soni picked up two wickets each.
In reply, Gujarat put up a valiant chase but ultimately fell short, managing 173/7. Skipper Umang Kumar led with 47 runs, and Harsh Desai added a late surge with 29 runs off 16 balls. However, Nepal’s bowlers held their nerve. Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, and Kushal Malla each claimed two wickets, with Bibek Yadav securing another.
Nepal will face off against Baroda on April 5th before the grand final on April 7th.
