Nepal’s WCup hopes all but over

KATHMANDU, JAN 17 -
Chasing 250 runs, Nepal stumbled to 27-3 and never really recovered
The second successive defeat in the World Cup Qualifier meant that Nepal now not only need massive wins in their next two remaining Group A matches against Hong Kong (Jan 19) and Canada (Jan 21) but also hope others results favour them. After losing their opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 102 runs on January 13, the second heavy defeat on Thursday will also not help their cause as Nepal fell far too behind their opponents on net run-rate.
With only top three teams from each of the two pools qualifying for the Super Six round, Nepal’s chances look very bleak. The UAE lead the Group with maximum four points from two matches. Scotland are second and Hong Kong third, both of whom have two points but the latter have played just one match. Pointless Nepal are bottom of the table behind another winless team Canada, who have played  one match.
Put in to bat first by stand-in Nepal skipper Gyanendra Malla, Scotland made a respectable 249-7 in 50 overs. Nepal crumbled to 159 runs in 46.1 overs. Nepal were forced to drop their influential skipper Paras Khadka due to the side strain he sustained during a warmup match ahead of the Qualifier. Khadka played through the pain in their opener but was deemed unfit for this crucial match.
Stand-in Nepal captain Malla said the target was well within their reach considering their strong middle order. “But it was too much pressure for them since our top order is not clicking for us,” said Malla. “We need to be positive and look forward to the remaining two games.”
Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake expressed concern over his team’s batting. “This is the second time our batsmen have  failed,” said Dassanayake. “No excuses for failure but we missed Paras and Subash,” added the Nepal coach. Khadka said: “We should not get our heads down but play to our potential. We still have chances.”
 It was a team effort that helped Scotland to build their total. Opener Kyle Coetzer (14) and Calum MacLeod (46) put on 48 runs while Matt Machan (37) and Preston Mommsen also chipped in. Freddie Coleman was  unbeaten on 64.
Som Pal Kami was pick of the Nepali bowlers with 3-35 while Sagar Pun took 2-38.
Chasing 250 runs to win, Nepal lost three wicket for 27 runs and never really recovered. Malla made a fighting 34 off 61 balls. Sharad Vesawkar also battled to a 64-ball 30 and Baskota made 21 but Nepal never threatened Scotland, eventually being bowled out in the 47th over.  Iain Wardlaw took three while Rob Taylor and Majid Haq grabbed two wickets apiece for Scotland.

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