(Image Source: Reuters)
[Saba Sports News] Nepal faced Pakistan in East London, where Pakistan secured a five-wicket victory. Opting to bat, Nepal had a decent start with Bipin Rawal scoring 39, but Pakistan’s Ahmed Hussain’s bowling shifted the momentum. Despite losing three wickets for 16 runs, Nepal’s lower order, led by Deepak Dumre and Subash Bhandari with 26 runs each, managed a total of 197, against Arafat Minhas’ three-wicket haul.
Pakistan’s response began strongly with an 80-run opening partnership between Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan. However, Nepal’s Aakash Chand’s bowling brought Pakistan to 104/4. Azam Awais, with an unbeaten 63, and a crucial partnership with Hassan, steered Pakistan to victory with over two overs to spare. Pakistan now prepares to face New Zealand, with both teams advancing to the Super Six, while Nepal needs a win against Afghanistan to stay in contention.
In Kimberley, Sri Lanka defeated Namibia by 77 runs in a match dominated by bowlers. Sri Lanka, sent to bat first, were dismissed for 133, with Namibia’s Zacheo van Vuuren and Johannes de Villiers taking four and three wickets, respectively. Supun Waduge’s half-century was pivotal for Sri Lanka. Namibia’s chase faltered early, crumbling to 56 all out due to Sri Lanka’s Vishwa Lahiru and Ruvishan Perera’s three-wicket hauls each.
Namibia, now facing potential elimination, will play Zimbabwe next, while Sri Lanka’s two wins position them well for the next round.
In Potchefstroom, West Indies triumphed over Scotland by five wickets. Scotland, batting first, posted 205/9, thanks to openers Jamie Dunk and Adi Hegde. West Indies’ Nathan Sealy and Isai Thorne kept the scoring in check. The West Indies’ run chase was initially rocky, but Jordan Johnson and Mavendra Dindyal’s partnership and Jewel Andrew’s half-century led them to an easy win.
West Indies, with a mixed record, will next face England, while Scotland, needing a win and a net run rate boost, will play South Africa in their final group game.