Kathmandu: Zimbabwe A got the better of Nepal by six wickets in the first unofficial T20I that was played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on May 1. Despite posting a strong total on the board, the Nepal bowlers failed to get the job done in the second innings as the Zimbabwean batters made use of their skills in a better way to come out on top.
The action between the two sides was originally scheduled to kick off with an Unofficial ODI which was forced to be abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled. In fact, it rained so heavily that even the toss was not possible. The Nepal cricket team was led by star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.
Batting first, the hosts looked to make the most of their home conditions and also set up a tough target for Zimbabwe and they did get things right at least in their first innings. Opener Kushal Bhurtel helped his side in getting off to a good start with a 31-ball 46. He lost his opening partner Aasif Sheikh but, was then involved in a 57-run stand with Rohit Paudel for the second wicket who contributed with 36 runs from 27 deliveries.
Dipendra Singh Airee then played a cameo of 28 runs off 13 balls and courtesy of middle-order batter Aadil Ansari’s unbeaten 27-ball 47, Nepal posted a stiff total of 181/5 from their 20 overs.
In reply, the home bowlers failed to make an impact with the ball in hand upfront as Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 73 runs for the opening stand. While Kaia scored 47 runs from 30 deliveries, Tadiwanashe Marumani top-scored for his side with 56 runs from 46 balls. Once the duo was dismissed, it seemed that it would open up the floodgates for Nepal.
However, it was not to be as skipper Tony Munyonga held one end firmly and stood like a solid rock in the middle, successfully helping his team in getting past the finish line in the penultimate over. Munyonga remained unbeaten on 50 runs from 23 deliveries.
