Steven Taylor starred with bat to propel the United States of America to a six-wicket win over Nepal in Match 40 of the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman.
The USA were chasing 175, and Taylor struck 12 fours and three sixes in his 63-ball 92 after coming to open. Sandeep Lamichhane (2-35) got two early wickets for Nepal, and Karan K.C. (2-23) had two in two balls in the 20th over. Still, it did not restrict the USA after Taylor’s carnage, as they reached the target with 20.3 overs to spare.
Monank Patel (38*) and Jaskaran Malhotra (36*) stitched an unbroken 56 for the fifth wicket to get the job done comfortably.
Earlier, Nepal lost Aasif Sheikh in the third over after being put in. Kushal Bhurtel (36) and Gyanendra Malla (55) steadied the ship, adding 51 in 52 balls before the former was cleaned up by Karima Gore (1-29). At No. 4, Rohit Paudel did not last long, as Nepal were down to 63/3 in 14.3 overs.
Nepal were 140/4 at one point. Gulsan Jha took 53 balls for his 28, but departed before starting to accelerate. Jha’s departure triggered a collapse, as Nepal lost their last six wickets for 34 before being bowled out for 174 in 48 overs.
For the USA, Saurabh Netravalkar (4-29) and Kyle Phillip (3-43) shared seven wickets, while Karima Gore, Elmore Hutchinson, and Nosthush Kenjige claimed a wicket each.
Brief Scores: Nepal 174 in 48 overs (Gyanendra Malla 55; Saurabh Netravalkar 4-29) lost to the United States of America 175/4 in 29.3 overs (Steven Taylor 92; Karan K.C. 2-23) by 6 wickets with 123 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Steven Taylor.